odeum

ode·um

noun \ō-ˈdē-əm, ˈō-dē-\

plural odea \-ə\

Definition of ODEUM

1

: a small roofed theater of ancient Greece and Rome used chiefly for competitions in music and poetry

2

: a theater or concert hall

Origin of ODEUM

Latin & Greek; Latin, from Greek ōideion, from ōidē song

First Known Use: 1616

Rhymes with ODEUM

lyceum, museum, no-see-um, per diem

odeum

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Comparatively small, often semicircular roofed theater of ancient Greece and Rome used for musical performances. One still in use was built by Herodes Atticus at the base of the Athenian Acropolis (AD 161). Odea were constructed in most cities of the Roman empire for use as assembly halls as well as for performances. See also amphitheater.