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azulejo

tile

noun ah-soo-LEH-hoh Rare
Home & Lifestyle Materials

Origin: from Arabic al-zulaij, 'small polished stone'

Usage Note

Azulejo refers specifically to a glazed ceramic wall or floor tile, the kind covering the facades and interiors of buildings throughout Spain and Latin America. It comes from the Arabic az-zulayj ('small polished stone'), not from azul ('blue') despite the resemblance. The diminutive azulejito is used affectionately.

Examples

"Los azulejos de la cocina son de colores vivos."

Natural Translation

The kitchen tiles are brightly colored.

Literal Translation

The tiles of the kitchen are of colors vivid.

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