cyclorama
[sahy-kluh-ram-uh, -rah-muh]
- a pictorial representation, in perspective, of a landscape, battle, etc., on the inner wall of a cylindrical room or hall, viewed by spectators occupying a position in the center.
- Theater. a curved wall or drop at the back of a stage, used for creating an illusion of unlimited space or distance in the background of exterior scenes or for obtaining lighting effects.
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Origin of cyclorama
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for cyclorama
Historical Examples
Cyclorama, sī-klo-r′ma, n. a circular panorama painted on the inside of a cylindrical surface appearing in natural perspective.
This instrument was no doubt the father of the pedometer and the cyclorama, just as the boy is frequently father to the man.
The building was originally used for a cyclorama, but was entirely remodeled when put to its new use.
The origin of the cyclorama is traced to the use of scenery by the Italians two or three hundred years ago.
In a cyclorama of this kind it is necessary to have the scene portrayed with the utmost fidelity.
cyclorama
- Also called: panorama a large picture, such as a battle scene, on the interior wall of a cylindrical room, designed to appear in natural perspective to a spectator in the centre
- theatre
- a curtain or wall curving along the back of a stage, usually painted to represent the sky and serving to enhance certain lighting effects
- any set of curtains that enclose the back and sides of a stage setting
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Word Origin
C19: cyclo- + Greek horama view, sight, on the model of panorama
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for cyclorama
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper