laconicum

[ luh-kon-i-kuhm ]

noun

, plural la·con·i·ca [l, uh, -, kon, -i-k, uh].

1. the sudatorium of an ancient Roman bath.

Word History and Origins

Origin of laconicum¹

1690–1700; < Latin lacōnicum sweating room, noun use of neuter of Lacōnicus Laconian ( laconic ); the sweat bath was a Spartan custom

Example Sentences

Antiquaries have amused themselves by identifying different chambers, to which, with considerable uncertainty, the names of Calidarium, Laconicum, Tepidarium, Frigidarium, &c., have been affixed.

From Project Gutenberg

Unfortunately, the means which had relieved Augustus killed his nephew Marcellus; and the Laconicum and the Tepidarium were again crowded with the “fashion.”

From Project Gutenberg

The Romans had their laconicum or heating stove, which from its name was an invention from Laconia.

From Project Gutenberg

Reisk.; although, according to Hephæstion, the laconicum metrum was a tetrameter catalecticus in syllabam, with a spondaic ending; and according to M. Victorinus ubi sup. a trimeter catalecticus in syllabam.1581.B.

From Project Gutenberg

As a rule, it is more economical, in heating on the principle now under consideration, to place the furnace below the level of the hot rooms; but if desirable to place both on one level, the back wall of the furnace chamber becomes the party wall of the laconicum, and it must be stopped short of the ceiling, and the air debouched over it.

From Project Gutenberg