terremoto

earthquake

noun tehr-reh-MOH-toh Less Common

Origin: from Latin terrae motus (movement of the earth)

Usage Note

Terremoto literally combines 'earth' and 'motion'; the plural is terremoti. Italians also use it figuratively for a sudden upheaval, as in un terremoto politico.

Examples

"Il terremoto ha distrutto la città."

Natural Translation

The earthquake destroyed the city.

Literal Translation

The earthquake has destroyed the city.

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