plomo
“plomo” means “lead” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
lead
Also: sinker, plumb line
📝 In Action
El plomo es un metal muy pesado.
A2Lead is a very heavy metal.
Necesito un plomo más grande para que el anzuelo baje al fondo.
B1I need a bigger sinker so the hook goes to the bottom.
bore
Also: drag
📝 In Action
Tu primo es un plomo; no para de hablar de sus sellos.
B2Your cousin is such a bore; he doesn't stop talking about his stamps.
¡Qué plomo de película! Me quedé dormido.
B2What a drag of a movie! I fell asleep.
fuse
📝 In Action
Se saltaron los plomos porque encendí el microondas y la estufa.
B2The fuses blew because I turned on the microwave and the heater.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: plomo
Question 1 of 2
If your friend won't stop talking about boring statistics, you might call him a...
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'plumbum', which refers to the metal lead. It is the same root that gives us the English word 'plumbing' because pipes used to be made of lead.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'plomo' mean 'bullet'?
In some slang contexts (especially in parts of Latin America), 'plomo' can refer to bullets or gunfire, such as 'dar plomo' (to shoot/attack). However, the standard word for bullet is 'bala'.
Is 'plomero' the only word for plumber?
No. In Spain, they often use 'fontanero,' while in many Latin American countries, 'plomero' is the standard term.