derrame
“derrame” means “spill” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
spill
Also: leak, outflow
📝 In Action
Hubo un derrame de aceite en la cocina.
A2There was an oil spill in the kitchen.
El derrame de petróleo afectó a las aves marinas.
B1The oil spill affected the sea birds.
Pusimos arena sobre el derrame para que nadie se resbalara.
B2We put sand on the spill so no one would slip.
stroke, hemorrhage
Also: effusion
📝 In Action
Mi tío se está recuperando de un derrame cerebral.
B1My uncle is recovering from a stroke.
El médico dijo que tenía un derrame en la rodilla.
B2The doctor said he had fluid on the knee.
Un fuerte golpe puede causar un derrame interno.
C1A heavy blow can cause internal bleeding.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: derrame
Question 1 of 3
Which of these describes a 'derrame cerebral'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish verb 'derramar', which comes from the Latin 'dis-' (apart) and 'ramus' (branch), suggesting something spreading out like the branches of a tree.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'derrame' the same as 'fuga'?
Not exactly. A 'fuga' is a leak (like gas or a small hole in a pipe), while 'derrame' is more about the liquid that has already come out and spread.
Can I use 'derrame' for a person crying?
Usually no. For tears, we use the verb 'derramar lágrimas' (to shed tears), but we don't call the act a 'derrame' unless it's poetic or medical (like a broken vessel in the eye).
What is the difference between 'derrame' and 'volcar'?
'Volcar' is the action of tipping something over. 'Derrame' is the resulting mess or the flow of liquid that comes out.