Main Entry: sta·di·um

Pronunciation: \ˈstā-dē-əm\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural -dia \-dē-ə\ or sta·di·ums

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek stadion

Date: 14th century

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