vítreo
/ˈbitɾeo/
The English word "vitreous" is translated into Spanish as vítreo.
The term vítreo is an adjective used to describe something that is of or resembles glass. While vítreo describes a glass-like quality, the Spanish noun for the material "glass" itself is vidrio.
Meaning: of or resembling glass (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, vítreo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use vítrea for a feminine singular noun, vítreos for masculine plural nouns and vítreas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbitɾeo/
Did you know?
- While vítreo is the formal adjective, you will rarely hear it in casual conversation. Most Spanish speakers would simply use the adjective cristalino or the phrase como el vidrio to describe something with a glass-like quality.
- The word vítreo is a 'cultismo', a term specifically used by scholars and scientists. Unlike common words that evolve through centuries of spoken change, 'cultismos' were often pulled directly from Latin into Spanish to maintain academic precision.
- In Spanish, the word cristal is often used instead of vidrio when referring to high-quality glassware or luxury items.
Examples in context
- El oftalmólogo examinó mi vítreo y aseguró que todo estaba en orden.The ophthalmologist examined my vitreous humor and assured me that everything was fine.
- Tuve una lesión en la retina que afectó el humor vítreo.I had a retinal injury that affected the vitreous humor.
- El insecto tiene un brillo vítreo.The insect has a vitreous shine.
- Observé un resplandor vítreo en el fondo del mar.I observed a vitreous glow at the bottom of the sea.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are examining mineral samples in a lab.
- JavierMira esta muestra, parece cristal.Look at this sample, it looks like crystal.
- ElenaSí, tiene un aspecto vítreo muy claro.Yes, it has a very clear vitreous appearance.
- Javier¿Crees que sea obsidiana?Do you think it is obsidian?
- ElenaEs muy probable por su textura.It is very likely because of its texture.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vítreo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
