hypogeum

[ hahy-puh-jee-uhm, hip-uh- ]

noun

, plural hy·po·ge·a [hahy-p, uh, -, jee, -, uh, hip-, uh, -].

1. Ancient Architecture. the underground part of a building, as a vault.
2. an underground burial chamber.

hypogeum

/ ˌhaɪpəˈdʒiːəm /

noun

1. an underground vault, esp one used for burials

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypogeum¹

1700–10; < Latin hypogēum < Greek hypógeion underground chamber (neuter of hypógeios underground), equivalent to hypo- hypo- + gê earth + -ion neuter adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypogeum¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek hupogeion; see hypogeal

Example Sentences

Ever since his trip beneath Rome with Piper and Percy, fighting those twin giants in the hypogeum under the Colosseum, most of his nightmares were about basements, trapdoors, and large hamster wheels.

From Literature

She still had nightmares about the nymphaeum and the hypogeum under Rome.

From Literature

The hypogeum was “the heart” of the amphitheater, Alfonsina Russo, the director of the Colosseum and its archaeological park, told reporters on Friday during an impromptu tour of what she described as the monument’s backstage, where she said “preparation took place to ensure the optimal execution of the games.”

From New York Times

More than 80 archaeologists, architects and engineers worked on the 15,000 sq metre "hypogeum" for two years to "bring back to the centre of the attention a monument that the whole world loves", according to Diego della Valle, chairman of Tod’s, the Italian fashion group that funded the work.

From Reuters

The arena could also - before the hypogeum was built - be filled with water to re-enact sea battles.

From Reuters