mausoleum

mau·so·le·um

noun \ˌmȯ-sə-ˈlē-əm, ˌmȯ-zə-\

plural mau·so·leums or -lea \-ˈlē-ə\

Definition of MAUSOLEUM

1

: a large tomb; especially : a usually stone building with places for entombment of the dead above ground

2

: a large gloomy building or room

Origin of MAUSOLEUM

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek mausōleion, from Mausōlos Mausolus diedab 353 b.c., ruler of Caria

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

Rhymes with MAUSOLEUM

athenaeum, coliseum, colosseum, hypogeum, wax museum