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tamponare

to dab

verb tahm-poh-NAH-reh Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Also means

to rear-end (a car)

Usage Note

Tamponare has two very common meanings: to dab or swab a wound (tamponare una ferita), and to collide into the back of another vehicle (la macchina davanti è stata tamponata — the car in front was rear-ended). The related noun tamponamento specifically means a rear-end collision. The noun tampone covers a swab, a buffer, or a stamp pad.

Examples

"L'infermiera ha tamponato la ferita con garza."

Natural Translation

The nurse dabbed the wound with gauze.

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