ruine

ruin, ruins

noun RWEE-nuh Less Common

Also means

downfall, collapse

Usage Note

Ruine is usually found in the plural les ruines when referring to the physical remains of a building, but the singular covers financial or moral ruin. The verb ruiner ('to ruin') and the adjective ruineux ('ruinous, costly') are close derivatives.

Examples

"Les touristes visitent les ruines du château."

Natural Translation

Tourists visit the ruins of the castle.

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