different between matron vs signora

English

Etymology

From Middle English matrone, from Old French matrone, from Latin m?tr?na (“married woman”), from m?ter (“mother”). Doublet of matrona.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?me?t??n/
• Rhymes: -e?t??n

Noun

matron (plural matrons)

1. A mature or elderly woman.

   • grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a matron before she was a mother

2. A wife or a widow, especially, one who has borne children.
3. A woman of staid or motherly manners.
   • “A tight little craft,” was Austin’s invariable comment on the matron; and she looked it, always trim and trig and smooth of surface like a converted yacht cleared for action. ¶ Near her wandered her husband, orientally bland, invariably affable, […].

4. A housekeeper, especially, a woman who manages the domestic economy of a public institution.
5. A senior female nurse in an establishment, especially a hospital or school.

6. (US) A female prison officer.

Derived terms

Related terms

• matrona
• matroneum

Translations

References

matron in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

Anagrams

• Marton, Morant, Rotman, romant

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian signora.

Noun

signora (plural signoras)

1. Mrs; madam; title of address or respect for women in Italy.

Anagrams

• agrions, ignaros, soaring

Italian

Etymology

From Medieval Latin seni?ra, feminine form of senior (“lord”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /si???o.ra/
• Hyphenation: si?gnó?ra

Noun

signora f (plural signore)

1. female equivalent of signore.
2. lady

   Synonyms: dama, (archaic) donna, lady

3. A title of address for women; madam (ladies is used for the plural)

   Synonym: (regional) gna

4. (used as a salutation in a letter) Madam (plural Mesdames)

See also

• signore
• signorina

Anagrams

• insorga