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ottone

brass

noun oht-TOH-neh Rare

Origin: Possibly from Arabic al-uštuwan or a Germanic source; the etymology is debated.

Usage Note

Ottone is the metal alloy (copper + zinc). In music, gli ottoni (plural) means 'the brass section' of an orchestra. Do not confuse with oro (gold) or bronzo (bronze, copper + tin). Objects described as ottonato have a brass finish.

Examples

"Il rubinetto è fatto di ottone."

Natural Translation

The tap is made of brass.

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