aes
[ˈae̯s]neuter
Bronze in Latin is aes, a neuter noun for the alloy. If unsure, use aes. Wiktionary also lists pyrōpus.
Meaning: alloy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| aes | [ˈae̯s] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɛs] (narrow) |
neuter |
| pyrōpus | masculine |
aes is a broad term. Depending on the context it can mean bronze, copper or even money and coinage.
Which one should you use?
pyrōpus is a masculine noun also listed for bronze, but aes is the usual word for the metal.
How does it change in a sentence?
aes is neuter, and its genitive singular is aeris, of bronze.
Did you know?
- The word pyrōpus is a loanword from Greek, meaning 'fire-faced', referring to the reddish-gold glow of the alloy.
- In the early Roman Republic, before coins were minted, aes referred to heavy cast bronze bars that were weighed on scales to determine their value.
- The word aes is thought to be cognate with the Proto-Germanic word *aiz, which is an ancestor of the English word 'ore'.
Examples in context
- alicuius ex aere imagoThe bronze statue of someoneaere is the form of the word used after the preposition ex, describing a statue made of bronze.
- Statua e/aere facta est.The statue was made of bronze.
- Aes est pretiosum.Bronze is precious.
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are looking at an ancient mirror.
- QuintusVidisti hoc speculum ex aere?Have you seen this mirror made of bronze?
- ClaudiaIta, Claudia hoc speculum amat.Yes, Claudia loves this mirror.
- QuintusAes antiquum et splendidum est.The bronze is ancient and splendid.
- ClaudiaVere, Quinte, pulchrum est.Truly, Quintus, it is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bronze” translations and entries aes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
