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

Other Words from vault Phrases Containing vault Learn More About vault

First Known Use of vault

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1538, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1576, in the meaning defined above

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 wallow entry 1

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 wallow entry 1

Noun (2)

noun derivative of vault entry 3

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