The word 'torno' refers to either a rotating machine tool for shaping objects or a turnstile used for controlling entry.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A machine tool for shaping materials by rotation.
- A rotating mechanism used for controlling pedestrian access.
- Commonly seen in subway stations and manufacturing workshops.
Overview
El término 'torno' es un sustantivo masculino que posee dos acepciones principales, ambas relacionadas con la idea de rotación. En el ámbito industrial, es una máquina fundamental para la fabricación de piezas cilíndricas, cónicas o esféricas. En el ámbito cotidiano, es un dispositivo que gira sobre un eje y que sirve para regular el paso de personas o transportar objetos. 2) Usage Patterns: Se utiliza frecuentemente con verbos como 'pasar por', 'instalar' o 'trabajar en'. Por ejemplo, 'pasar por el torno' es una expresión común al entrar al metro o a un estadio. En contextos técnicos, se habla de 'torno de control numérico' o 'torno mecánico'. 3) Common Contexts: Es un término muy común en el transporte público (donde controlan el acceso), en talleres de carpintería o metalurgia, y en contextos históricos (como el torno de los conventos para dejar objetos sin ser visto). 4) Similar Words comparison: A veces se confunde con 'rueda' o 'molinete'. Mientras que la rueda es un elemento de transporte o transmisión, el torno es una máquina específica de transformación o un mecanismo de control de acceso. 'Molinete' es un sinónimo coloquial muy común para el torno de acceso en estaciones de metro.
Examples
El carpintero usó el torno para hacer las patas de la mesa.
everydayThe carpenter used the lathe to make the table legs.
Por favor, pase su billete por el torno para acceder al andén.
formalPlease pass your ticket through the turnstile to access the platform.
Hay mucha gente esperando frente al torno del cine.
informalThere are many people waiting in front of the cinema turnstile.
El mecanizado en torno permite una precisión milimétrica.
academicLathe machining allows for millimeter precision.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Torno de alfarero
Potter's wheel
Torno de acceso
Access turnstile
Often Confused With
A 'tornillo' is a screw, which is a fastener, whereas a 'torno' is a machine or a large rotating mechanism.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral in register. It is used in both technical engineering contexts and everyday public transport situations. No special formality is required to use it.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse 'torno' with 'tornillo' due to the similar root. Remember that 'torno' is the machine and 'tornillo' is the small metal piece used to join things together.
Tips
Think of rotation for both meanings
Remember that whether it is for shaping wood or for entering a subway station, the core concept is rotation around a central axis.
Regional vocabulary variations
While 'torno' is widely understood, you might hear 'torniquete' or 'molinete' in specific Spanish-speaking regions when referring to access gates.
The historic 'torno de convento'
In history, a 'torno' was a rotating wooden cylinder in convent walls, allowing people to leave items or babies for nuns to collect anonymously.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'tornus', which comes from the Greek 'tornos', meaning a tool for drawing circles or a carpenter's tool.
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking cities, the 'torno' is the standard way to pay for public transport. Historically, the 'torno' in convents represents a symbol of seclusion and anonymity.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'turn' (torno) because the machine turns the wood and the gate turns to let you in.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsEs un mecanismo giratorio, generalmente metálico, que se coloca en las entradas de lugares como el metro o estadios. Su función es permitir el paso de una sola persona a la vez tras validar un billete o tarjeta.
No, existen tornos para diversos materiales. Los tornos de carpintería se usan para trabajar la madera, mientras que los tornos industriales se utilizan para metales y plásticos.
La palabra más común es 'torno', aunque en algunos países de Latinoamérica también se le llama 'molinete' o 'torniquete'.
Sí, el verbo es 'tornear', que significa dar forma a un objeto utilizando un torno.
Test Yourself
Para entrar al metro, debes pasar tu tarjeta por el ___.
El torno es el mecanismo de control de acceso en las estaciones.
Score: /1
Summary
The word 'torno' refers to either a rotating machine tool for shaping objects or a turnstile used for controlling entry.
- A machine tool for shaping materials by rotation.
- A rotating mechanism used for controlling pedestrian access.
- Commonly seen in subway stations and manufacturing workshops.
Think of rotation for both meanings
Remember that whether it is for shaping wood or for entering a subway station, the core concept is rotation around a central axis.
Regional vocabulary variations
While 'torno' is widely understood, you might hear 'torniquete' or 'molinete' in specific Spanish-speaking regions when referring to access gates.
The historic 'torno de convento'
In history, a 'torno' was a rotating wooden cylinder in convent walls, allowing people to leave items or babies for nuns to collect anonymously.
Examples
4 of 4El carpintero usó el torno para hacer las patas de la mesa.
The carpenter used the lathe to make the table legs.
Por favor, pase su billete por el torno para acceder al andén.
Please pass your ticket through the turnstile to access the platform.
Hay mucha gente esperando frente al torno del cine.
There are many people waiting in front of the cinema turnstile.
El mecanizado en torno permite una precisión milimétrica.
Lathe machining allows for millimeter precision.
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Related Vocabulary
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A2To make a hole through something, often with a tool.
frágil
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averiado
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gastado
A2Worn out or used up; frayed or faded from use.
cemento
A2A powdery substance that, when mixed with water, forms a strong adhesive.
cautelosamente
B1In a cautious or careful manner.
pico
A2A tool with a heavy iron head and a wooden handle, used for breaking ground.
taladro
A2A tool or machine for boring holes in hard materials.
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A2A device for spraying liquid, such as water or chemicals.
operar
A2To control the functioning of a machine, process, or system.
