torno
“torno” means “lathe” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
lathe
Also: winch, revolving hatch
📝 In Action
El carpintero usó el torno para fabricar las patas de la mesa.
B2The carpenter used the lathe to make the table legs.
Subieron el cubo del pozo con un torno.
B2They brought the bucket up from the well with a winch.
Antiguamente, se dejaban donaciones en el torno del convento.
C1In the past, donations were left in the convent's revolving hatch.
around
Also: about, regarding
📝 In Action
Los niños corrían en torno a la fuente.
B1The children were running around the fountain.
La reunión fue en torno a los nuevos presupuestos.
B2The meeting was about the new budgets.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: torno
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'torno' to mean 'about' or 'concerning'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'tornus', which refers to a lathe or a tool used for turning wood, originally borrowed from Greek 'tornos' (a tool for drawing circles).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'torno' the same as 'turno'?
No. 'Torno' refers to a machine (lathe) or the phrase 'around'. 'Turno' refers to your 'turn' in a sequence (like waiting in line).
Is 'torno' a verb?
Technically, 'torno' is also the 'yo' form (first person) of the verb 'tornar' (to return), meaning 'I return'. However, this verb is less common today than 'volver'.