terzino

full-back

noun ter-TSEE-noh Rare

Usage Note

Terzino is the Italian football (soccer) term for a full-back, a defensive player on the left or right side. Terzino sinistro is left-back, terzino destro is right-back. The feminine equivalent (terzina) is used for women's football. The term comes from terzo (third) reflecting old positional numbering.

Examples

"Il terzino intercettò il passaggio avversario."

Natural Translation

The full-back intercepted the opposing team's pass.

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