stecca
/ˈstek.ka/feminine
The English word "splint" is translated into Italian as stecca.
stecca is used to refer to an immobilizing device. While stecca refers to the physical object itself, you might encounter the related term steccatura when discussing the procedure of splinting or the state of being splinted.
Meaning: immobilizing device (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, stecca means a stick or a slat, which provides the basis for its use as a medical term.
How does it change in a sentence?
stecca is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈstek.ka/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If an Italian says they hanno steccato, it doesn't mean they are injured, but rather that they have failed an exam or messed up a musical note.
- The word stecca is also used in billiards to refer to the cue stick used to hit the balls.
- The word stecca entered the Italian language as a borrowing from the Gothic word staka, which meant a stake or a pole.
Examples in context
- Il paziente necessita di una stecca per immobilizzare l'arto.The patient needs a splint to immobilize the limb.
- Il medico ha applicato una stecca per immobilizzare l'avambraccio.The doctor applied a splint to immobilize the forearm.
- Il dottore ha messo una stecca sul braccio.The doctor put a splint on the arm.
- Questa stecca serve a tenere ferma la caviglia.This splint is used to keep the ankle still.
- Hai bisogno di una stecca per il dito?Do you need a splint for your finger?
Example conversation
Chiara shows Francesco her injured hand.
- ChiaraGuarda, ora devo usare questa stecca.Look, now I have to use this splint.
- FrancescoAccidenti, Chiara! Ti sei fatta male?Oh no, Chiara! Did you hurt yourself?
- ChiaraSì, mi serve la stecca per guarire.Yes, I need the splint to heal.
- FrancescoSpero che tu guarisca presto.I hope you get well soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “splint” translations and entries stecca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries stecca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
