tornasol (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "tornasol" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription of "tornasol" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /toɾ.naˈsol/.

Translation Options into English

The word "tornasol" can be translated into English as: - Litmus - Rainbow-colored (as an adjective)

Meaning and Usage

"Tornasol" refers specifically to a type of paper used to test the pH of a solution; it changes color in response to acidity or alkalinity, indicating the chemical nature of the solution. In broader contexts, it can refer to something that displays varying colors, much like a rainbow.

In the Spanish language, it is commonly used in educational and scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and biology. The term appears frequently in written material, such as textbooks, articles, and laboratory settings, rather than in casual conversation.

Example Sentences

1. El tornasol cambió de color cuando se sumergió en el ácido.

2. The litmus paper changed color when immersed in the acid.

3. Los estudiantes utilizaron tornasol para probar la acidez de las soluciones.

4. The students used litmus paper to test the acidity of the solutions.

5. En el laboratorio, el tornasol es una herramienta fundamental para los experimentos de química.

6. In the laboratory, litmus paper is a fundamental tool for chemistry experiments.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "tornasol" doesn't have widely recognized idiomatic expressions, its descriptive nature has led to creative metaphorical uses, often referring to something that is changeable or has varying characteristics.

Example Sentences with Metaphorical Use

1. El carácter de su jefe es como un tornasol, cambia según el momento.

2. His boss's character is like litmus paper, changing depending on the moment.

3. Algunas personas son tornasoles emocionales, reflejando la energía a su alrededor.

4. Some people are emotional litmus papers, reflecting the energy around them.

5. La opinión pública puede ser un tornasol para las decisiones políticas.

6. Public opinion can be a litmus test for political decisions.

Etymology

The term "tornasol" comes from the Latin "tornasolla," which directly relates to colors. The prefix "torna-" indicates a return or change, while "sol" refers to the sun, reflecting the idea of colors changing like light influenced by the sun.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Litmus (in English)
• Indicador químico (chemical indicator)

Antonyms

• No direct antonyms exist in the strict sense, as "tornasol" refers to a specific item or concept. However, one might consider terms referring to static colors as opposites in a metaphorical sense.