catacomb

[ kat-uh-kohm ]

noun

1. Usually catacombs. an underground cemetery, especially one consisting of tunnels and rooms with recesses dug out for coffins and tombs.
2. the Catacombs, the subterranean burial chambers of the early Christians in and near Rome, Italy.
3. an underground passageway, especially one full of twists and turns.

catacomb

/ -ˌkuːm; ˈkætəˌkəʊm /

noun

1. usually plural an underground burial place, esp the galleries at Rome, consisting of tunnels with vaults or niches leading off them for tombs
2. a series of interconnected underground tunnels or caves

Other Words From

• cat·a·cum·bal [kat-, uh, -, kuhm, -b, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of catacomb¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English catacombe, Old English catacumbe, from Late Latin catacumbās (accusative plural); of disputed origin; perhaps from unattested Greek katakýmbās, equivalent to kata- + kýmbās, accusative plural of kýmbē “hollow, cup”; cata-

Word History and Origins

Origin of catacomb¹

Old English catacumbe, from Late Latin catacumbas (singular), name of the cemetery under the Basilica of St Sebastian, near Rome; origin unknown

Example Sentences

The accompanying map of part of the Catacomb of Callixtus will indicate the general plan of these subterranean galleries.

From Project Gutenberg

An example of both sorts is seen in the accompanying engraving of a cubiculum in the Catacomb of St. Prtextatus.

From Project Gutenberg

In part of an ancient arenarium converted into a cemetery in the Catacomb of St. Priscilla similar constructions may be seen.

From Project Gutenberg

De Rossi has given a map of the Catacomb of Callixtus, in which these areas are accurately defined.

From Project Gutenberg

Boniface I., having been for some time concealed in the Catacomb of Felicitas, afterwards elaborately ornamented it.

From Project Gutenberg