Spanish word

cerda

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈθeɾða/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbristle

Example

¿Puedes cambiar las cerdas del cepillo?

Could you replace the brush's bristles?

Illustration for cerda (bristle)

More examples

Las cerdas de nylon resisten mejor la humedad.

Nylon bristles resist moisture better.

Core concept

Stiff short fibers forming the cleaning surface of a brush.

Common phrases

  • cerdas del cepillo

    brush bristles

  • cerdas de nylon

    nylon bristles

  • cerdas naturales

    natural bristles

Similar words

pelo: Hair on a human or animal body, ranging from fine to coarse.

Definition in Spanish

Conjunto de fibras cortas y resistentes que sirven para cepillar o limpiar; por extensión, pelo duro de animales y nombre vulgar para la hembra del cerdo.

Word origin

From Latin carduus 'thistle' and the verb cardare 'to card', via Vulgar Latin forms for combed stiff fibers that developed into Spanish cerda meaning bristle.

Usage tips

  • On product labels 'cerdas naturales' denotes animal-hair bristles (not synthetic), and calling a person 'cerda' is an insulting use meaning 'sow'.

Other meanings

  • sownoun

Word lists with this word