Spanish Conversation · Level 3
87 words
Spanish word
interruptor
Pronunciation
IPA/interupˈtoɾ/
Meaning
- masculine nounswitch
Example
¿Dónde está el interruptor de la lámpara?
Where is the switch for the lamp?
More examples
Apaga el interruptor de emergencia si hay humo.
Turn off the emergency switch if there is smoke.
Core concept
Hand-operated device that opens or closes an electrical circuit.
Common phrases
interruptor de la lámpara
lamp switch
interruptor de emergencia
emergency switch
Similar words
botón: Activates equipment when pressed, a small pushable control on devices.
mando: Operates equipment from a distance by sending infrared or radio commands, like a TV remote.
palanca: Changes a machine or circuit state by moving a rod or arm, functioning as a lever control.
Definition in Spanish
Dispositivo que, al accionarse a mano, abre o cierra un circuito eléctrico para detener o permitir el paso de la corriente.
Word origin
The noun comes from Spanish interrumpir, from Latin interrumpĕre 'to break in', and the agentive suffix -or forms a noun meaning 'that which interrupts'.
Usage tips
- The word is masculine (el interruptor) and in everyday Spanish it usually names a simple wall or lamp switch, while a circuit breaker is interruptor automático or disyuntor.
Other meanings
- circuit breakernoun
Related words
- interrumpirinterruptverb
- interrumpidointerruptedadjective