invernadero
Lemma Details
Translation: greenhouse; hothouse; glasshouse
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'invierno' (winter) + '-ero' (a suffix indicating place or purpose). The word literally means 'winter place' - a structure designed to protect plants from cold weather. It shares its Latin root 'hibernus' (wintry) with English words like 'hibernate'. The concept reflects the agricultural innovation of creating controlled environments to grow plants regardless of external seasonal conditions.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Construyeron un invernadero en el jardín para cultivar plantas exóticas.
They built a greenhouse in the garden to grow exotic plants.
El invernadero mantiene una temperatura constante para las plantas.
The greenhouse maintains a constant temperature for the plants.
Los tomates de invernadero están disponibles todo el año.
Greenhouse tomatoes are available year-round.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'invierno' (winter) + '-ero' (place) = 'a place for winter' - where plants can grow despite winter conditions outside.
- Imagine 'invernadero' as an 'in-winter-hero' that saves plants from cold weather.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially in agricultural regions, invernaderos are important for year-round cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Spain is one of Europe's largest producers of greenhouse vegetables, particularly in Almería (southern Spain), known as 'the sea of plastic' due to its vast expanse of greenhouses visible from space.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'invernadero' refers to a greenhouse structure, 'invernada' refers to the wintering period or the act of spending winter in a particular place.
Confused word:
Los animales pasan la invernada en zonas más cálidas.
Animals spend the wintering period in warmer areas.
Notes: Both words relate to winter ('invierno') but have different applications.
Mnemonic: 'Invernadero' ends with '-ero' (place) while 'invernada' ends with '-ada' (period or action).
Explanation: While 'invernadero' is a greenhouse, 'hibernadero' refers to a hibernation place for animals.
Confused word:
Las cuevas sirven como hibernadero para muchos murciélagos.
Caves serve as hibernation places for many bats.
Notes: Both words relate to protection during cold weather but for different purposes and subjects.
Mnemonic: 'Invernadero' relates to plants and growing, while 'hibernadero' relates to animals and sleeping.