velarium

[ vuh-lair-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Roman Antiquity.

, plural ve·lar·i·a [v, uh, -, lair, -ee-, uh].

1. an awning drawn over a theater or amphitheater as a protection from rain or the sun.

velarium

/ vɪˈlɛərɪəm /

noun

1. an awning used to protect the audience in ancient Roman theatres and amphitheatres

Word History and Origins

Origin of velarium¹

1825–35; < Latin vēlārium (a word known only from a passage in Juvenal; the intended sense may be “curtain” rather than “awning”); velum, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of velarium¹

C19: from Latin, from vēlāre to cover

Example Sentences

In addition to this task these Caryatides had likewise that of supporting upon their heads an entablature decorated with Nereids and Tritons in bas-relief, and furnished with rings of bronze to which the silken cords of a velarium might be attached.

From Project Gutenberg

Combat and chase on the 5th day of the nones of April; the masts of the velarium will be rigged; twenty pairs of gladiators will fight during the nones; if you fear for the delicacy of your complexion, be assured that the awnings will be spread; and as you might in any case prefer to visit the amphitheatre early, these men will cut each other's throats in the morning—matutini erunt.

From Project Gutenberg

At the top, on the exterior, may be seen the remains of the consoles which sustained the velarium which was drawn over the arena to shelter the spectators from the sun or rain.

From Project Gutenberg

Velarium, vē-lā′ri-um, n. an awning which could be drawn over the Roman amphitheatre: the marginal membrane of certain hydrozoans:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg

Velum, vē′lum, n. a velarium: the ciliated disc-like fold of the integument with which some embryo molluscs are provided:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg