velarium

[ vuh-lair-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Roman Antiquity.

, plural ve·lar·i·a [v, uh, -, lair, -ee-, uh].

1. an awning drawn over a theater or amphitheater as a protection from rain or the sun.

velarium

/ vɪˈlɛərɪəm /

noun

1. an awning used to protect the audience in ancient Roman theatres and amphitheatres

Word History and Origins

Origin of velarium¹

1825–35; < Latin vēlārium (a word known only from a passage in Juvenal; the intended sense may be “curtain” rather than “awning”); velum, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of velarium¹

C19: from Latin, from vēlāre to cover

Example Sentences

The velarium, spread over the cypress avenue, was drawn back, and torches were brought.

From Project Gutenberg

The vault, some thirty feet high, formed a sort of azure velarium bordered with long yellow palm-leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

A gigantic purple velarium gave shelter from the rays of the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

The censers were ignited again, and the velarium was removed, for the sun had sunk now considerably.

From Project Gutenberg

He raised his eyes then to the opening of the amphitheatre, over which night had begun to extend its velarium dotted with stars.

From Project Gutenberg