crosta
/ˈkrɔs.ta/feminine
The Italian word for scab is crosta.
The term crosta is used in everyday language to describe scabs and other types of crusts.
Meaning: incrustation over a wound (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word crosta literally means 'crust'.
How does it change in a sentence?
crosta is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkrɔs.ta/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian slang, the expression essere una crosta can be used to describe someone or something that is extremely boring or unpleasant.
- The linguistic ancestor of crosta is a Proto-Indo-European root that means 'to begin to freeze'.
- The word crosta is the same term used for the 'crust' of a loaf of bread or a pie. An Italian speaker might use the same word to describe both a wound and a delicious pastry topping.
Examples in context
- La ferita sta facendo la crosta.The wound is scabbing over.
- La crosta è caduta ieri.The scab fell off yesterday.
- Non toccare quella crosta.Don't touch that scab.
- Sotto la crosta la ferita guarisce.The wound is healing under the scab.
Example conversation
Lorenzo is showing a small scrape on his knee to Martina.
- LorenzoGuarda, la crosta è già molto dura.Look, the scab is already very hard.
- MartinaÈ un buon segno, Lorenzo.It's a good sign, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoSpero che non inizi a sanguinare.I hope it doesn't start bleeding.
- MartinaLasciala stare e guarirà presto.Leave it alone and it will heal soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scab” translations and entries crosta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crosta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
