Main Entry: ¹vault

Pronunciation: \ˈvȯlt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English vaute, voute, from Anglo-French voute, from Vulgar Latin *volvita turn, vault, from feminine of *volvitus, alteration of Latin volutus, past participle of volvere to roll — more at voluble

Date: 14th century

1 a : an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof b : something (as the sky) resembling a vault c : an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure <the cranial vault>
2 a : a space covered by an arched structure; especially : an underground passage or room b : an underground storage compartment c : a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
3 a : a burial chamber b : a prefabricated container usually of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial

— vaulty \ˈvȯl-tē\ adjective

[vault illustration]