picchiata

nosedive

noun peek-KYAH-tah Rare

Also means

dive (aviation)

Usage Note

Picchiata comes from the verb picchiare (to hit, to strike) and in aviation means a steep powered dive. Figuratively, essere in picchiata ('to be in a nosedive') describes a sharp decline in prices, ratings, or fortunes. It is also used informally to mean a blow or beating (prendere una picchiata).

Examples

"L'aereo è entrato in picchiata improvvisamente."

Natural Translation

The plane suddenly went into a nosedive.

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