Spanish word

latón

Pronunciation

IPA/laˈton/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbrass

Example

El tirador está hecho de latón.

The handle is made of brass.

Illustration for latón (brass)

More examples

¿Eso es de latón?

Is that made of brass?

Core concept

Shiny, ductile brass alloy used for instruments, fittings, and mechanical parts.

Common phrases

  • es de latón

    made of brass

  • campana de latón

    brass bell

Similar words

bronce: Copper-and-tin alloy with a warm brown patina used for sculptures, medals, and plaques.
cobre: Reddish, highly conductive pure metal used for electrical wiring, pipes, and some coins.
estaño: Soft, silvery metal used for solder, tinplate, and coating cans.

Definition in Spanish

Aleación, principalmente de cobre con zinc en distinta proporción, de aspecto dorado y buena maleabilidad, utilizada en elementos decorativos, instrumentos de viento y piezas mecánicas.

Word origin

Adopted into Spanish from medieval French laiton, whose name comes from lait 'milk' used metaphorically for a pale golden color and which produced related terms like English latten.

Usage tips

  • When identifying material in conversation, Spanish commonly uses de (está hecho de latón) rather than en, and mentioning patina or shine is a natural way to describe aged pieces.

Word lists with this word