seno
/ˈseno/
The Spanish word for sinus is seno.
The term seno refers to an anatomical cavity or pouch within a bone or other tissue. In a medical context, the phrase senos paranasales is used to specifically mean the paranasal sinuses.
Meaning: pouch or cavity in a bone or other tissue (noun)
Which one should you use?
While seno can mean a sinus, it is a polysemous noun. Depending on the context, it can also refer to a breast or bosom or a bay or inlet in geography.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of seno is senos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈseno/
Did you know?
- The word seno is an inherited term from the Latin sinus, which originally referred to a fold in a garment or a curve in a cloak.
- In mathematical contexts, the Spanish word for 'sine' in trigonometry is also seno, reflecting the same Latin root for a curve or fold.
- Beyond anatomy, seno can be used in the phrase en el seno de la familia to mean 'in the heart of' or 'within the bosom of' a family.
Examples in context
- Mi hermano tiene una infección en los senos paranasales.My brother has an infection in the sinuses.
- Tiene una inflamación en el seno paranasal.He has inflammation in the paranasal sinus.
- El dolor se siente en el seno frontal.The pain is felt in the frontal sinus.
Example conversation
Alejandro is telling Lucía about his doctor's appointment.
- AlejandroMe duele mucho el seno nasal.My nasal sinus hurts a lot.
- LucíaDeberías ir al médico, Alejandro.You should go to the doctor, Alejandro.
- AlejandroYa fui y dice que es una infección.I already went and he says it is an infection.
- LucíaEspero que te sientas mejor pronto.I hope you feel better soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry seno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries seno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
