amphitheater

[ am-fuh-thee-uh-ter, -theeuh-ter, am-puh- ]

noun

an open-air, oval or round building with tiers of seats around a central open area, as those used in ancient Rome for gladiatorial contests.
any similar indoor or outdoor place for public contests, games, performances, exhibitions, etc.; an arena, stadium, or auditorium.

a room having tiers of seats arranged around a central area, in which students and other observers can view surgery, hear lectures, etc.
British.
- the first section of seats in the gallery of a theater.
- a designated section of seats in any part of a theater.
a level area of oval or circular shape surrounded by rising ground.

Origin of amphitheater

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin amphitheātrum, from Greek amphithéātron; see amphi-, theater

am·phi·the·at·ric [am-fuh-thee-a-trik], /ˌæm fə θiˈæ trɪk/, am·phi·the·at·ri·cal, adjective
am·phi·the·at·ri·cal·ly, adverb

The Roman buildings for the circus, the theatres, and amphitheatres were of scarcely less importance.
History of Ancient Art | Franz von Reber
He referred especially to the amphitheatres at Nmes and Arles.
Winged Wheels in France | Michael Myers Shoemaker
Nothing was so much run after as the games in the amphitheatres.
Young Folks' History of Rome | Charlotte Mary Yonge
Vernal and Nevada pour over the rims of two successive glacial amphitheatres in the main canyon of the Merced.
Guide to Yosemite | Ansel Hall
Yet here are two cities situated like amphitheatres upon the convex curve of two ideally beautiful harbors.
As Seen By Me | Lilian Bell

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