calcestruzzo

concrete (building material)

noun kahl-cheh-STROOT-tsoh Rare

Usage Note

Calcestruzzo is the standard Italian term for concrete (the building material). It is not to be confused with cemento ('cement'), which is one ingredient in concrete; calcestruzzo armato is reinforced concrete. The double 'zz' gives the characteristic 'ts' sound.

Examples

"Il ponte è costruito in calcestruzzo armato."

Natural Translation

The bridge is built in reinforced concrete.

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