lachryma christi
C2Formal/Literary; Technical (oenology)
Definition
Meaning
A type of Italian wine from the region of Campania.
A historic and poetic name for a wine, primarily red or white, produced from grapes grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vesuvius. The name translates from Latin as 'tears of Christ', often connected to local legends.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a proper noun referring to a specific wine designation. Its usage is highly specific to contexts involving wine, Italian culture, or literary/religious allusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, historical depth, and Italian heritage. May carry a slightly archaic or romantic literary flavour.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency term in general language. Almost exclusively encountered in wine literature, gourmet contexts, or historical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Wine] is a Lachryma Christi.They produce [wine] called Lachryma Christi.We drank [the] Lachryma Christi.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the wine trade, import/export, and gourmet retail.
Academic
Found in historical, religious studies, or oenology texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A controlled designation for wine from a specific region of Italy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We tried Italian wine.
- This red wine is from Italy.
- The wine list featured several fine Italian wines, including a Lacryma Christi from Campania.
- The sommelier recommended the Lacryma Christi, a poignant choice given its name and the volcanic terroir from which it originates.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine Christ crying (lachryma) tears that became the rich, red wine (christi) of Vesuvius.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID IS DIVINE TEARS (a precious substance with a sorrowful, sacred origin).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите дословно как "слёзы Христа" в нейтральном контексте о вине, это именно название.
- Не путайте с общим термином "слёзы" или религиозными понятиями.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrectly capitalising as 'Lachryma Christi' in mid-sentence when used generically (though often capitalised).
- Mispronouncing 'lachryma' with a /k/ sound at the 'ch'.
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'a lachryma christi' (it is treated as a proper name).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Lachryma Christi' primarily?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. The designation includes a red (rosso) version made from Piedirosso and Aglianico grapes, and a white (bianco) version made from Coda di Volpe and Falanghina grapes.
In British English, it's /ˈlækrɪmə/ (LAK-ri-muh). In American English, it's commonly /ˈlækrəmə/ (LAK-ruh-muh) or /ˈlɑːkrəmə/ (LAH-kruh-muh).
It would be highly unusual and potentially pretentious unless you are specifically discussing wine. In general contexts, 'Italian wine from Vesuvius' is more appropriate.
Typically, yes, as it is a proper noun referring to a specific wine. However, in less formal wine writing, it may sometimes appear in lower case.