Flint in Irish (Breochloch): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for flint?

The Irish for flint is breochloch (pronounced “BRO-khlokh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is breochlocha. Depending on context it can also mean flint (of a lighter).

Q: What is the plural of flint in Irish?

The plural of breochloch is breochlocha; with the article, na breochlocha means “the flints”. The genitive plural is breochloch, as in faobhar na mbreochloch (the edge of the flints).

Q: Does breochloch have more than one meaning?

Yes. Breochloch can mean flint or flint (of a lighter), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “flint” in Irish

Irish:: breochloch
English:: flint, flint (of a lighter)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “BRO-khlokh” /ˈbʲɾʲɔxlˠɔx/

Various forms

Plural:: breochlocha (flints)
Genitive singular:: breochloiche, na breochloiche (e.g. spréach na breochloiche, the spark of the flint)
Genitive plural:: breochloch, na mbreochloch (e.g. faobhar na mbreochloch, the edge of the flints)

What does “breochloch” mean?

“Breochloch” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

flint: A very hard grey or black stone that makes sparks when struck with steel.Also: flintstone, firestone.

1 other meaning: flint (of a lighter)

2flint (of a lighter): The small piece of hard material in a lighter that makes the spark.Also: lighter flint, flint.

“Breochloch” with the article

The plural of flint in Irish is breochlocha. Here is breochloch after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an bhreochloch

the flint

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

na breochlocha

the flints

Plural: no change after na

“Breochloch” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using breochloch, the Irish word for flint.

Fuair mé breochloch ar an trá inné.

I found a flint on the beach yesterday.

Bhuail sé an bhreochloch le píosa cruach.

He struck the flint with a piece of steel.

Rinne na daoine luatha uirlisí as breochlocha.

Early people made tools out of flints.

Tá faobhar géar ar an mbreochloch seo.

This flint has a sharp edge.

Chonaic mé ceann saighde breochloiche sa mhúsaem.

I saw a flint arrowhead in the museum.

Tá an bhreochloch caite i mo lastóir.

The flint in my lighter is worn out.

Is cloch an-chrua í an bhreochloch.

Flint is a very hard stone.

Other nouns in Irish

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Flint in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for flint?

The Irish for flint is breochloch (pronounced “BRO-khlokh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is breochlocha. Depending on context it can also mean flint (of a lighter).

How do you pronounce breochloch in Irish?

Breochloch is said like “BRO-khlokh” (IPA /ˈbʲɾʲɔxlˠɔx/).

What is the plural of flint in Irish?

The plural of breochloch is breochlocha; with the article, na breochlocha means “the flints”. The genitive plural is breochloch, as in faobhar na mbreochloch (the edge of the flints).

Does breochloch have more than one meaning?

Yes. Breochloch can mean flint or flint (of a lighter), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does breochloch change to bhreochloch or mbreochloch?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) breochloch becomes mo bhreochloch (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbreochloch (eclipsis).

How is 'breochloch' formed?

It combines 'breo' (fire, flame) and 'cloch' (stone), so it literally means 'fire stone', and it declines like 'cloch'.

Flint in Irish (Breochloch): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage