Orto

Orto is a term with several related uses, most commonly found in Italian. The primary meaning is a cultivated plot of land used for growing vegetables, herbs, and plants for domestic use. An orto is typically smaller than a farm and is common in both rural settings and urban environments where residents maintain personal or community gardens. In horticultural and botanical contexts, phrases such as orto botanico (botanical garden) or orto domestico (home garden) illustrate its usage. The word derives from Latin hortus, meaning garden or yard, reflecting its long-standing association with cultivated land.

Beyond its everyday meaning, orto also appears as a surname of Italian origin. It can likewise occur in geographic names, where it serves as a component of place names or local labels. The precise reference of such uses depends on regional language practices and capitalization, as common nouns and proper nouns may be distinguished by context.

In summary, Orto primarily denotes a vegetable garden in Italian, with secondary uses as a surname and as part of geographic names.