naumachia

noun

nau·​ma·​chia nȯ-ˈmā-kē-ə How to pronounce naumachia (audio) -ˈma- How to pronounce naumachia (audio)
plural naumachiae nȯ-ˈmā-kē-ˌē How to pronounce naumachia (audio)
-kē-ˌī,
-ˈma-
or naumachias
1
: an ancient Roman spectacle representing a naval battle
2
: a place for naumachiae

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek, naval battle, from naus ship + machesthai to fight — more at nave

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of naumachia was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near naumachia

Cite this Entry

“Naumachia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naumachia. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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