# tripoli

/ˈtɹɪpəɫi/ (US) · /tɹˈɪpəlˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tripoli
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. capital of Libya

noun · CEFR B2

the capital and largest city of Libya, located on the Mediterranean coast.

For teachers: the capital city and principal seaport of Libya, historically one of the three cities of the Roman province of Tripolitania.

- The flight from Rome to Tripoli takes about two hours.
- As the political and economic hub of the nation, Tripoli remains the primary gateway for international diplomatic missions entering Libya.

### 2. city in Lebanon

noun · CEFR B2

the second-largest city in Lebanon, known for its history and port.

For teachers: the largest city in northern Lebanon and the second-largest in the country, serving as a major port and commercial centre.

- We visited the old markets in Tripoli during our trip to Lebanon.
- Tripoli is renowned for its Mamluk architecture, which remains remarkably well-preserved within the city's historic central districts.

### 3. polishing rock

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a soft, crumbly rock used as a powder to polish metal or glass.

For teachers: a friable, lightweight, siliceous sedimentary rock, often composed of diatom remains, utilised as an abrasive or polishing agent.

- The craftsman used a fine tripoli powder to give the silver a high shine.
- Industrial applications of tripoli often involve the fine-grinding of the mineral for use in high-precision metal finishing and optical glass polishing.

## Examples

- The jeweler used tripoli to polish the silver ring.
- After sanding the wood, the craftsman applied a fine tripoli powder to achieve a high-gloss finish on the cabinet.
- Geological surveys indicate that the deposit consists primarily of tripoli, which is highly valued in industrial applications for its abrasive properties and chemical stability.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.