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A.Word.A.Day--coliseum

coliseum (KOL-i-SEE-uhm) noun, also colosseum

A large stadium, theater, or similar building for sports, cinema, exhibitions, etc.

[After Colosseum, name of the amphitheater in Rome, from Latin colosseus (gigantic).]

The Roman Colosseum was completed c. 80 AD. This amphitheater's name is derived from the huge 130 foot colossus of Nero that once stood nearby. The Colosseum was the site of gory gladiatorial contests from which came the term Roman holiday.

"The [Arena Football League] is talking to coliseum officials in Bloomington about a franchise there in 2006."
Dave Eminian; Say Bye-bye, Bottom Line; Peoria Journal Star (Illinois); Jul 5, 2005.

See more usage examples of coliseum in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

This week's theme: Words derived from Italian landmarks

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