visco
/ˈvis.ku/
The English word mistletoe is translated into Portuguese as visco.
visco is a noun used to refer to the sprig of one such plant used as a Christmas decoration.
Meaning: sprig of one such plant used as a Christmas decoration (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvis.ku/. The first of the two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use mistletoe for romantic gestures, in many Portuguese-speaking cultures, the plant is primarily viewed through a botanical or religious lens rather than a romantic one.
- The term visco shares an etymological root with the concept of stickiness, reflecting how the plant's berries are often adhesive.
- Because visco is not traditionally grown in many parts of Brazil, the decorations found in shops are almost always artificial plastic versions.
Examples in context
- Outra planta perene popular nesta altura do ano é o visco. O visco tem pequenas bagas brancas e folhas que parecem de couro. O visco tradicional de Natal é originário da Europa.Another popular evergreen this time of year is the mistletoe plant. It has small white berries and leaves that feel like leather. The traditional Christmas mistletoe is native to Europe.This sentence is useful for learning about the physical characteristics and origins of visco.Tatoeba #12258914 by Cangarejo, translation #12258913 by Cangarejo
- Os druidas antigos acreditavam que o visco tinha poderes mágicos. A planta pode ser encontrada a crescer em macieiras, tílias, bordos e choupos. O visco é uma planta parasita. Ele liga-se a uma árvore e rouba nutrientes e água.Ancient Druids believed mistletoe had magical powers. The plant can be found growing on apple trees, lindens, maples and poplars. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant. It connects itself to a tree and steals nutrients and water.This sentence provides information about the historical beliefs and biological nature of visco.Tatoeba #12258922 by Cangarejo, translation #12258920 by Cangarejo
- Puseram um ramo de visco na porta.They put a sprig of mistletoe on the door.
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are decorating their living room for Christmas.
- JulianaRodrigo, você já pendurou o visco?Rodrigo, have you hung the mistletoe yet?
- RodrigoAinda não, onde ele está?Not yet, where is it?
- JulianaEstá ali na mesa com as luzes.It is there on the table with the lights.
- RodrigoVou colocá-lo agora mesmo no teto.I will put it on the ceiling right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry visco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
