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mantel

tablecloth

noun mahn-TEHL Rare

Origin: From Old French mantel, 'cloth cover', related to manto ('mantle').

Usage Note

Mantel is masculine despite ending in a consonant. The plural is regular: manteles. It refers to the cloth spread over a table for meals. The diminutive mantelito or mantelillo refers to a small decorative doily or place mat. Do not confuse with manto (a cloak or mantle).

Examples

"Pusieron un mantel blanco en la mesa."

Natural Translation

They put a white tablecloth on the table.

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