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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.

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