[kol-uh-see-uh
m] 
| 1. | an ancient amphitheater in Rome, begun a.d. c70 by Vespasian, having the form of an oval 617 by 512 ft. (188 by 156 m). |
| 2. | (lowercase) coliseum. |
[kol-i-see-uhm] | 1. | Also, colosseum. an amphitheater, stadium, large theater, or other special building for public meetings, sporting events, exhibitions, etc. |
| 2. | (initial capital letter) Colosseum. |
| col·i·se·um also col·os·se·um (kŏl'ĭ-sē'əm) n. A large amphitheater for public sports events, entertainment, or assemblies. [Medieval Latin Colisēum, an amphitheater in Rome, Italy, variant of Latin Colossēum, from neuter of colossēus, gigantic, from colossus, huge statue; see colossus.] |
| col·os·se·um (kŏl'ĭ-sē'əm) n. Variant of coliseum. |
A great arena of ancient Rome, which seated fifty thousand. It is in ruins today, but its former glory can still be imagined.
Note: Some of the contests staged in the Colosseum were between gladiators, who fought with swords; some were between people and animals. The arena could even be flooded for mock sea battles.
Note: According to tradition, persecuted Christians were fed to lions in the Colosseum for the entertainment of the Romans. (See also bread and circuses.)