cúmulo
Lemma Details
Translation: heap; pile; accumulation; cluster; mass; buildup
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'cumulus' meaning 'heap, pile, mass'. The English word 'cumulus' (as in cumulus clouds) comes from the same Latin root, as do words like 'accumulate' and 'cumulative'. The accent mark in Spanish preserves the original stress pattern from Latin.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Hay un cúmulo de papeles sobre mi escritorio.
There is a pile of papers on my desk.
Un cúmulo de circunstancias llevó al fracaso del proyecto.
A combination of circumstances led to the failure of the project.
El cielo estaba lleno de cúmulos blancos.
The sky was full of white cumulus clouds.
Tengo un cúmulo de trabajo pendiente.
I have a backlog of pending work.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cumulus clouds' which form in heaps or piles in the sky.
- Remember 'accumulate' in English - things pile up or form a 'cúmulo'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In meteorology, 'cúmulo' is commonly used to refer to cumulus clouds. The term is also frequently used in formal contexts to describe an accumulation of problems, work, or circumstances.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Cúmulo' means a heap or pile, while 'cúpula' means dome or cupola. They look and sound similar but have different meanings.
Notes: Both words have the accent on the first syllable, which can contribute to confusion.
Mnemonic: 'Cúmulo' has an 'm' like 'mass' or 'mound', while 'cúpula' has a 'p' like in 'peak' or 'pinnacle'.
Explanation: 'Cúmulo' refers to a heap or accumulation, while 'túmulo' specifically means a burial mound or tumulus.
Confused word:
El túmulo funerario data de la Edad de Bronce.
The burial mound dates from the Bronze Age.
Notes: Both words come from Latin and refer to raised structures, but with different purposes and contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Túmulo' starts with 't' like 'tomb', referring to burial structures.