stadium

sta·di·um

noun \ˈstā-dē-əm\

plural -dia \-dē-ə\ or sta·di·ums

Definition of STADIUM

1

a : any of various ancient Greek units of length ranging in value from 607 to 738 feet (about 185 to 225 meters)

b : an ancient Roman unit of length equal to 607 feet (185 meters)

2

a : a course for footraces in ancient Greece originally one stadium in length

b : a tiered structure with seats for spectators surrounding an ancient Greek running track

c : a large usually roofless building with tiers of seats for spectators at sports events

3

[New Latin, from Latin] : a stage in a life history; especially : one between successive molts of an insect

Examples of STADIUM

1. <the football game will be held at the new stadium, which seats 100,000 people>

Origin of STADIUM

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek stadion

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to STADIUM

Synonyms

bowl, circus, coliseum, colosseum

Related Words

ballpark, park; gym, gymnasium, spa; arena, dome, hippodrome

Rhymes with STADIUM

radium

stadium

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Enclosure that provides a broad space for sports events and tiers of seats for a large number of spectators. The name derives from a Greek unit of measurement, the stade (about 607 ft, or 185 m), the length of the footrace in the ancient Olympics. Shapes of stadiums have varied depending on use: Some are rectangular with curved corners; others are elliptical or U-shaped. As a type of long-span structure, the stadium played a significant role in 20th-century construction technology. The building of large stadiums has been greatly facilitated by the use of reinforced concrete, steel, and membrane structures, which have made possible daring new designs. The Houston Astrodome was the first major fully roofed stadium. Cables contributed significantly to speed of construction, lightness of roof, and economy in covered stadiums. The enormous Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis (opened 1982) was built using a cable system.