Spanish word

cirio

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈθiɾjo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounaltar candle

Example

Colocaron el cirio en el altar para la ceremonia.

They placed the altar candle on the altar for the ceremony.

Illustration for cirio (altar candle)

More examples

El párroco bendijo el cirio antes de la misa.

The priest blessed the altar candle before Mass.

Core concept

Thick wax candle used on church altars and in processions.

Common phrases

  • encender el cirio

    light the altar candle

  • bendecir el cirio

    bless the altar candle

Similar words

vela: Thin wax candle for everyday domestic use, such as lighting or decoration.
velón: Large devotional candle burned during religious rites or for prayer intentions.

Definition in Spanish

Vela gruesa usada en ritos o ceremonias religiosas, colocada en el altar o llevada en procesiones.

Word origin

From Latin cera 'wax' via cērēus/cerius meaning 'made of wax', evolving through medieval Romance forms into Spanish cirio.

Usage tips

  • In general Spanish, vela names ordinary candles, while cirio is used in church or ceremonial contexts.

Other meanings

  • church candlenoun

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