smeriglio
/zmeˈriʎ.ʎo/masculine
The English word emery is translated into Italian as smeriglio. If unsure, use smeriglio. Wiktionary also lists spoltiglio.
Meaning: mineral (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| smeriglio | /zmeˈriʎ.ʎo/ | masculine |
| spoltiglio | masculine |
The term refers to the mineral.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /zmeˈriʎ.ʎo/.
Did you know?
- While smeriglio is the mineral, it is also the common name for the grinding wheel used by sharpeners to hone blades.
- The Italian term smeriglio is essentially a diminutive form derived from the Byzantine Greek word smerílion. This implies the word was originally used to describe a 'small' or 'fine' version of the substance.
- The Italian verb smerigliare means to grind or sand a surface, but it is also used metaphorically to describe wearing something down through friction.
Examples in context
- Il ricercatore ha analizzato lo smeriglio.The researcher analyzed the emery.
- Lo smeriglio è un minerale molto duro.Emery is a very hard mineral.
- Abbiamo trovato dello smeriglio nella miniera.We found some emery in the mine.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are looking at a geological sample in a laboratory.
- LorenzoSofia, guarda questo pezzo di smeriglio.Sofia, look at this piece of emery.
- SofiaÈ davvero un esemplare molto puro.It is truly a very pure specimen.
- LorenzoSpero che sia lo smeriglio che cercavamo.I hope it is the emery we were looking for.
- SofiaSembra proprio di sì, Lorenzo.It certainly looks like it, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “emery” translations and entries smeriglio, spoltiglio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries smeriglio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
