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velarium

noun
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ve·​lar·​i·​um | \ vi-ˈler-ē-əm How to pronounce velarium (audio) \
plural velaria\ vi-​ˈler-​ē-​ə How to pronounce velaria (audio) \

Definition of velarium

: an awning over an ancient Roman theater or amphitheater

First Known Use of velarium

1834, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for velarium

borrowed from Latin vēlārium "curtain" + -ārium -ary entry 1

Note: The sole instance of the word in classical Latin (in a satire of Juvenal) refers to a curtain in a theater; the notion that velarium referred specifically to an awning in an amphitheater is an invention of post-classical antiquarians and lexicographers.

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The first known use of velarium was in 1834

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Last Updated

3 Sep 2020

Cite this Entry

“Velarium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/velarium. Accessed 27 Oct. 2020.

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