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olocausto

holocaust, genocide

noun oh-loh-KAH-oo-stoh Rare
People & Society Values

Origin: Greek holokauston (completely burnt offering), from holos (whole) + kaustos (burnt).

Also means

burnt offering (historical)

Usage Note

Olocausto with the definite article l'Olocausto refers specifically to the Nazi genocide of Jews and others during WWII. Lowercase olocausto can describe any mass destruction or, in historical/religious contexts, an ancient burnt sacrifice. Learners should be aware of the capitalisation convention, as in English.

Examples

"Il museo commemora le vittime dell'Olocausto."

Natural Translation

The museum commemorates the victims of the Holocaust.

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