Definition of vault
1a : an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roofb : something (such as the sky) resembling a vaultc : an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure the cranial vault
2a : a space covered by an arched structure; especially : an underground passage or roomb : an underground storage compartmentc : a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
3a : a burial chamberb : a prefabricated container usually of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of vault
Origin and Etymology of vault
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
First Known Use: 14th century
vault
Definition of vault
transitive verb
: to form or cover with or as if with a vault : arch
Origin and Etymology of vault
Middle English vowten, borrowed from Anglo-French vouter, verbal derivative of voute 1vault
First Known Use: 14th century
vault
Definition of vault
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
Origin and Etymology of vault
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
First Known Use: 1538
Origin and Etymology of vault
noun derivative of 3vault
First Known Use: 1576
VAULT Defined for Kids
Definition of vault for Students
1 : a room or compartment for storage or safekeeping
2 : something like a vast ceiling the vault of sky
3 : an arched structure of stone or concrete forming a ceiling or roof
4 : a burial chamber
Definition of vault for Students
vaulted
;vaulting
: to leap with the aid of the hands or a pole
Medical Dictionary
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See words that rhyme with vault Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vault Spanish Central: Translation of vault Nglish: Translation of vault for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of vault for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vault
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