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inondazione
/inondatˈtsjoːne/
What does "inondazione" mean in English?
floodL'inondazione ha distrutto diversi paesi della valle.
The flood destroyed several towns in the valley.
How to use "inondazione" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
An overflow of water that submerges land which is usually dry.
Dopo giorni di pioggia incessante, c'è stata un'inondazione che ha isolato il villaggio.
After days of relentless rain, there was a flood that cut off the village.
In Italian, 'inondazione' can refer to both natural disasters and metaphorical overflows (e.g., 'inondazione di richieste' = 'flood of requests').
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'alluvione'
'Inondazione' is a broader term for flooding, while 'alluvione' often implies a sudden, destructive flood caused by rivers or heavy rain. 'Allagamento' refers to localized flooding, typically in urban areas.
Word Origin
From Latin *inundatio*, *inundationis*, from *inundare* ('to flood'), from *in-* ('into') + *unda* ('wave').
Usage Notes
Common in both formal and technical contexts, especially in meteorology and disaster management. Avoid using it for minor water overflows (use 'allagamento' instead).
Word Breakdown
in-
prefix indicating 'into' or 'within'
prefixondare
to surge or wave (from Latin *unda*, 'wave')
root-zione
suffix forming nouns of action or result
suffixDizionario Italiano-Inglese