Part of Speech

Cortocircuito is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

/kortoˈθiɾkito/ (in Spain)
/kɔɹtəˈsɪrˌkɪtoʊ/ (in Latin America)

Translation Options

• Short circuit
• Crossed circuit

Meaning and Usage

Cortocircuito refers to an electrical fault that occurs when a current deviates from its intended path, often causing excessive current flow and potentially damaging electrical components. The term is predominantly used in the field of electronics and electrical engineering. It has a moderate frequency of use, appearing in both oral and written contexts, with a slight preference for written context due to its technical nature.

Example Sentences

• El cortocircuito provocó un apagón en toda la ciudad.
  The short circuit caused a blackout throughout the city.

• Es importante revisar los cables para evitar un cortocircuito en el equipo.
  It is important to check the cables to prevent a short circuit in the equipment.

• El electricista arregló el cortocircuito en la instalación eléctrica.
  The electrician fixed the short circuit in the electrical installation.

Idiomatic Expressions

While cortocircuito is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, it can be part of metaphorical expressions in informal speech to describe a situation where things go wrong or where a misunderstanding occurs.

Example Sentences in Idiomatic Context

• Me sentí como si hubiera tenido un cortocircuito mental cuando escuché la noticia.
  I felt like I had a mental short circuit when I heard the news.

• Cuando discutimos, parece que hay un cortocircuito en nuestra comunicación.
  When we argue, it seems like there’s a short circuit in our communication.

• Su comportamiento extraño me dejó con la impresión de que había un cortocircuito en su razonamiento.
  His strange behavior left me with the impression that there was a short circuit in his reasoning.

Etymology

The word cortocircuito is derived from the prefix "corto," meaning "short," and "circuito," which means "circuit." The term essentially describes a "short circuit" in the electrical sense, highlighting a deviation from the intended path of the electric current.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Circuito defectuoso (defective circuit) - Fuga (leak, in electrical terms)

Antonyms: - Circuito correcto (correct circuit) - Circuito seguro (safe circuit)