contorno
outline
noun kohn-TOR-noh Rare
Origin: From contornare (to surround/outline), from torno (lathe/round shape).
Also means
side dish
Usage Note
Contorno has two distinct everyday meanings: (1) the outline or contour of a shape or landscape, and (2) a side dish served alongside a main course in an Italian meal (e.g. contorno di verdure — vegetable side). In a restaurant, the menu section Contorni lists the vegetable sides. The word for 'surroundings/environs' is the separate dintorni.
Examples
"Come contorno ho ordinato patate arrosto."
Natural Translation
As a side dish I ordered roast potatoes.
Related Words
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