impluvium

[ im-ploo-vee-uhm ]

noun

, plural im·plu·vi·a [im-, ploo, -vee-, uh].

1. a basin or tank within a compluvium.

Word History and Origins

Origin of impluvium¹

1805–15; < Latin, equivalent to impluv-, base of impluere to rain (upon, into) ( im- im- ¹ + pluere to rain; pluvial ) + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

So important was the impluvium to the trium, that the latter was named from the manner in which the former was constructed.

From Project Gutenberg

There were no windows, all natural light coming through the impluvium or, in pleasant weather, through the open door.

From Project Gutenberg

In the centre of the atrium was the impluvium, a rectangular marble tank to catch and hold the waters from the roof.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the place of ablution—something like the impluvium in a Roman villa—and its sides were lined with ornamental tiles.

From Project Gutenberg

This was a very usual arrangement in the Atrium of a Roman house with the impluvium in the centre.

From Project Gutenberg