The word "quicio" is a noun.
/ˈki.θjo/ (in Spain) or /ˈki.sjo/ (in Latin America)
In Spanish, "quicio" primarily refers to the hinge of a door, but it can also denote the frame or threshold around a door. In a broader sense, it can symbolize the point at which something happens or changes, particularly in phrases and idioms. It's relatively common in both spoken and written contexts, though it may appear more frequently in literary or descriptive texts addressing architecture or physical spaces.
"La puerta se cerró con un fuerte golpe contra el quicio."
"The door slammed hard against the hinge."
"El quicio de la puerta estaba desgastado por los años."
"The door frame was worn out from the years."
"Ella se quedó en el quicio, esperando a que él regresara."
"She stood in the doorway, waiting for him to return."
The word "quicio" is also commonly used in several idiomatic expressions that denote various meanings, particularly focusing on the idea of being off-balance or on the edge.
"La noticia la hizo salir de quicio."
"The news made her lose her temper."
"Poner a alguien fuera de quicio."
"El ruido constante lo puso fuera de quicio."
"The constant noise drove him crazy."
"Estar al quicio."
"Está al quicio de que necesita ayuda."
"He's on the verge of needing help."
"No estar en su quicio."
The term "quicio" originates from the Latin word "clīxium," which refers to something that enables doors to swing. The word evolved through the Vulgar Latin and eventually took on its current form in Spanish.
Synonyms: - Bisagra (hinge) - Pórtico (portico, though less specific)
Antonyms: - Apertura (opening) - Salida (exit)
This comprehensive overview captures the essence of the word "quicio" and its various uses within the Spanish language.