Cortadura refers to a cut or laceration, typically caused by a sharp object. It can indicate any type of incision made in the skin or another material. In a medical context, it specifically refers to injuries that break the skin's integrity, which may require treatment depending on severity. In general usage, it can also refer to sections or pieces that have been cut from a larger whole, such as in cooking or manufacturing.
Frequency of Use: - It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, especially in medical, everyday, and technical discussions regarding injuries, surgery, or manufacturing processes.
La cortadura en su brazo necesitaba puntos.
(The cut on his arm needed stitches.)
Ten cuidado con esa cortadura, puede infectarse.
(Be careful with that laceration; it could get infected.)
La cortadura en el papel me hizo daño.
(The cut on the paper hurt me.)
The word cortadura is not heavily featured in specific idiomatic expressions in Spanish due to its technical nature. However, it is sometimes used in phrases that describe situations involving cuts or separations. Here are a few usages:
Estar entre la cortadura y el desfiladero.
(To be between a cut and a ravine.)
Meaning: To be in a difficult situation with no clear way out.
Cortadura de una relación.
(Cut of a relationship.)
Meaning: The end of a relationship; signifies a breakdown or separation.
Hacer una cortadura de precios.
(To make a price cut.)
Meaning: To reduce prices in a significant manner, usually in marketing.
Cortadura de un documento.
(Cut of a document.)
Meaning: Refers to a part or section of a document that has been edited or removed.
The term cortadura comes from the verb cortar, meaning "to cut." The suffix "-ura" is typically used to form nouns that indicate a result or condition, thus cortadura refers to the result of an act of cutting.
Synonyms: - Herida (wound) - Incisión (incision) - Tajo (gash) - Lesión (lesion)
Antonyms: - Curación (healing) - Integridad (integrity) - Unión (union)
In summary, cortadura is a relevant term used across various contexts, primarily in medical and everyday scenarios related to cuts and incisions. Its usage is common in both spoken and written Spanish, and it can play a role in several idiomatic expressions that reflect its basic meaning related to cutting or separating.