la cremallera

Definition & meaning

1. Zipper: A device consisting of two interlocking rows of metal or plastic teeth used to fasten garments, bags, or other items.
2. Rack (mechanical): A toothed bar or rod that engages with a pinion (a small gear) to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
3. Zest (culinary): In some regions, it refers to a tool used for grating the outer skin of citrus fruits to obtain zest.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: The word is a feminine noun (la cremallera).
• Word origin: The term is derived from the Old French word cremailliere, which referred to a pot-hook or a rack used for hanging pots over a fire. This evolved from the word crema (notch or tooth), referring to the serrated shape of the object.

Synonyms & antonyms

• Synonyms:
  • Cierre ↗: Commonly used in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a zipper.
  • Cremallera dentada ↗: A technical term for a gear rack.
  • Rallador ↗: Used when referring to the kitchen tool for citrus zest.
• Antonyms:
  • There are no direct antonyms for this word as it describes a specific mechanical object.