theatre

Main Entry:: ¹the·ater
Variant(s):: or the·atre \ˈthē-ə-tər, ˈthēə-, oftenest in Southern ˈthē-ˌā- also thē-ˈā-\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English theatre, from Middle French, from Latin theatrum, from Greek theatron, from theasthai to view, from thea act of seeing; akin to Greek thauma miracle
Date:: 14th century

1 a: an outdoor structure for dramatic performances or spectacles in ancient Greece and Rome b: a building or area for dramatic performances c: a building or area for showing motion pictures2: a place or sphere of enactment of usually significant events or action <the theater of public life>3 a: a place rising by steps or gradations <a woody theater of stateliest view — John Milton> b: a room often with rising tiers of seats for assemblies (as for lectures or surgical demonstrations)4 a: dramatic literature : plays b: dramatic representation as an art or profession : drama5 a: dramatic or theatrical quality or effectiveness b: spectacle 1a c: entertainment in the form of a dramatic or diverting situation or series of events <their public feud made for good theater>6: theater of operations

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