vault

noun (1)

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\ ˈvȯlt

Definition of vault

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof

b : something (such as the sky) resembling a vault

c : an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure the cranial vault

2a : 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

3a : a burial chamber

b : a prefabricated container usually of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial

vault

verb (1)

vaulted; vaulting; vaults

Definition of vault (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

: to form or cover with or as if with a vault : arch

vault

verb (2)

vaulted; vaulting; vaults

Definition of vault (Entry 3 of 4)

intransitive verb

1 : to leap vigorously especially : to execute a leap using the hands or a pole

2 : to do or achieve something as if by a leap vaulted to sudden prominence

transitive verb

: to leap over especially : to leap over by or as if by aid of the hands or a pole

vault

noun (2)

Definition of vault (Entry 4 of 4)

: an act of vaulting : leap

History and Etymology for vault

Noun (1)

Middle English vaute, voute, borrowed from Anglo-French voute, volte, going back to Vulgar Latin *volvita "turn, arched structure," noun derivative from feminine of *volvitus, re-formation of Latin volūtus, past participle of volvere "to travel (a circular course), bring round, roll" — more at voluble

Verb (1)

Middle English vowten, borrowed from Anglo-French vouter, verbal derivative of voute vault entry 1

Verb (2)

probably borrowed from Middle French vouster "to turn about (on horseback), wheel, prance," going back to Vulgar Latin *volvitāre, frequentative of Latin volvere "to travel (a circular course), bring round, roll" — more at voluble

Noun (2)

noun derivative of vault entry 3

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