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AMPHITHEATRE

 - 2 dictionary results

am⋅phi⋅the⋅a⋅ter

  [am-fuh-thee-uh-ter, -theeuh-ter]
Use AMPHITHEATRE in a Sentence
–noun
1. an oval or round building with tiers of seats around a central open area, as those used in ancient Rome for gladiatorial contests.
2. any similar place for public contests, games, performances, exhibitions, etc.; an arena, stadium, or auditorium.
3. a room having tiers of seats arranged around a central area, in which students and other observers can view surgery, hear lectures, etc.
4. British.
a. the first section of seats in the gallery of a theater.
b. a designated section of seats in any part of a theater.
5. a level area of oval or circular shape surrounded by rising ground.
Also, am⋅phi⋅the⋅a⋅tre.

Origin:
1540–50; < L amphitheātrum < Gk amphithéātron. See amphi-, theater

Related forms:
am⋅phi⋅the⋅at⋅ric  [am-fuh-thee-a-trik] , am⋅phi⋅the⋅at⋅ri⋅cal, adjective
am⋅phi⋅the⋅at⋅ri⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

amphitheater 
1546, from L. amphitheatrum, from Gk. amphitheatron, neut. of amphitheatros "with spectators all around," from amphi- "on both sides" + theatron "theater," from theasthai "watch, look at." Classical theaters were semi-circles, thus two together made an amphitheater.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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