Inklingo

adema

ah-DEH-mahaˈðema

adema means prop in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

propAlso: strut, shoring timber

NounmC2formal
A heavy wooden beam supporting the ceiling of a tunnel.

📝 In Action

Los mineros reforzaron el túnel con un adema de roble.

B2

The miners reinforced the tunnel with an oak prop.

Es peligroso entrar si falta algún adema en la estructura.

C1

It is dangerous to enter if any support beam is missing from the structure.

El ingeniero inspeccionó cada adema para asegurar la estabilidad.

C2

The engineer inspected every strut to ensure stability.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • puntal (prop/stay)
  • estribo (buttress)

Common Collocations

  • adema de maderawooden prop
  • colocar un ademato place a support beam

he/she shores upAlso: prop up!

VerbC2regular arformal
A worker placing a sturdy timber against a wall to stabilize it.
gerundademando
past Participleademado
infinitiveademar

📝 In Action

El operario adema la excavación para evitar derrumbes.

C1

The worker shores up the excavation to prevent collapses.

¡Adema ese muro antes de que ceda!

B2

Shore up that wall before it gives way!

Cuando el terreno es blando, el equipo adema con más frecuencia.

C2

When the ground is soft, the team props it up more frequently.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • apuntalar (to prop up)
  • reforzar (to reinforce)

Antonyms

  • desmantelar (to dismantle)

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoademara
ademaras
él/ella/ustedademara
nosotrosademáramos
vosotrosademarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesademaran

Present Subjunctive

yoademe
ademes
él/ella/ustedademe
nosotrosadememos
vosotrosademéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesademen

Indicative

Preterite

yoademé
ademaste
él/ella/ustedademó
nosotrosademamos
vosotrosademasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesademaron

Imperfect

yoademaba
ademabas
él/ella/ustedademaba
nosotrosademábamos
vosotrosademabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesademaban

Present

yoademo
ademas
él/ella/ustedadema
nosotrosademamos
vosotrosademáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesademan

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "adema" in Spanish:

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: adema

Question 1 of 3

What is 'un adema' most likely to be used for?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
ademar(to prop up)Verb
ademador(person who shores up tunnels)Noun
ademado(shored up / propped)Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the verb 'ademar', which is believed to originate from the Germanic 'damm' (meaning dike or embankment), related to the idea of holding back earth.

First recorded: 18th Century

Cognates (Related words)

German: DammEnglish: Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'adema' the same as 'ademán'?

No. 'Ademán' means a gesture or a physical movement of the body. 'Adema' is a support beam used in mining.

Is 'adema' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine: 'el adema'. Although it ends in 'a', it does not follow the typical feminine pattern.

Can I use 'adema' to talk about supporting a friend?

No, 'adema' is strictly for physical, structural support like wood or steel beams. Use 'apoyo' for emotional support.