escaramuza
skirmish
noun ehs-kah-RRAH-moo-sah Rare
Origin: From Italian scaramuccia (skirmish).
Usage Note
Escaramuza refers to a minor military engagement or brief clash, and by extension any minor quarrel or dispute. The word entered Spanish from Italian military vocabulary. It is feminine; the plural is escaramuzas. In modern use it can describe a brief political or verbal confrontation as well.
Examples
"Hubo una escaramuza en la frontera ayer."
Natural Translation
There was a skirmish at the border yesterday.
Related Words
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