monopteron

[ mo-nop-tuh-ron, moh- ]

noun

, plural mo·nop·te·ra [mo-, nop, -ter-, uh, moh-].

1. a classical building having a single outer colonnade surrounding a central structure or a courtyard.

Word History and Origins

Origin of monopteron¹

1700–10; noun use of neuter of Latin monopteros < Greek monópteros, equivalent to mono- mono- + -pteros -pterous

Example Sentences

Monopteron, mō-nop′te-ron, n. a kind of temple or portico of columns grouped in a circle, and supporting a cupola.

From Project Gutenberg

It was built in the form of a "monopteron," a sort of structure without walls, and composed of columns arranged in a circle, and supporting a covered cupola.

From Project Gutenberg