nounnoun

il calcio

soccer · football

Sport in cui due squadre cercano di mandare una palla nella porta avversaria usando soprattutto i piedi.

The word calcio has several distinct meanings in Italian:

Soccer/Football: This is the most common usage. It refers to the world-famous team sport played with a spherical ball. Italy has a deep historical connection with this sport, often referred to as "il gioco del calcio."
A Kick: It refers to a physical blow or strike delivered with the foot. For example, "dare un calcio" means to give a kick.
Calcium: In a scientific context, it refers to the chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is a vital mineral for human bone health and is found in many rocks.
Butt of a gun: It refers to the rear part of a rifle or shotgun, typically made of wood or composite material, which the shooter rests against their shoulder.

Grammatically, calcio is a masculine noun. Its plural form is calci.

The etymology of the word differs slightly based on its meaning, though most paths lead back to Latin:

When referring to the sport or a physical kick, it derives from the Italian verb calciare (to kick), which comes from the Latin word calx (genitive calcis), meaning "heel."
When referring to the chemical element, it also comes from the Latin calx, but in the sense of "limestone" or "lime," which was used to describe various minerals.
The use for the sport "calcio" is also connected to the historical Florentine game "Calcio Storico," which dates back to the Renaissance.

Synonyms

Depending on the context, synonyms may include:

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for the chemical element or the sport. However, for the physical action of a kick:

carezza (caress) could be considered a conceptual opposite in terms of physical contact.
pugno (punch) is an alternative type of strike using the hand instead of the foot.