Main Entry:

am·phi·the·ater

Pronunciation:

\ˈam(p)-fə-ˌthē(-ə)-tər also ˈam-pə-ˌthē-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin amphitheatrum, from Greek amphitheatron, from amphi- + theatron theater

Date:

14th century

1: an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used in ancient Rome especially for contests and spectacles2 a: a very large auditorium b: a room with a gallery from which doctors and students may observe surgical operations c: a rising gallery in a modern theater d: a flat or gently sloping area surrounded by abrupt slopes3: a place of public entertainment (as for games or concerts)

— am·phi·the·at·ric \ˌam(p)-fə-thē-ˈa-trik also ˌam-pə-thē-\ or am·phi·the·at·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adjective

— am·phi·the·at·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb