cyclorama

[ sahy-kluh-ram-uh, -rah-muh ]

/ ˌsaɪ kləˈræm ə, -ˈrɑ mə /

noun

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.

Nearby words

cyclopia, cycloplegia, cycloplegic, cyclopropane, cyclops, cyclorama, cyclosilicate, cyclosis, cyclosporin, cyclosporine, cyclostomatous

Origin of cyclorama

1830–40; cycl- + Greek (h)órāma view; cf. panorama

Related forms

cy·clo·ram·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cyclorama

Cyclorama, sī-klo-r′ma, n. a circular panorama painted on the inside of a cylindrical surface appearing in natural perspective.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)|Various
This Paris cyclorama is along the same line, but ten times more wonderful.
Birdseye Views of Far Lands|James T. Nichols
The apparatus is secured in the center of the panorama or cyclorama building by a steel tube and guys of steel wire.
Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions Including Trick Photography|Albert A. Hopkins
Our first engraving gives a general view of the panorama as used at the “Chicago Fire” cyclorama.
Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions Including Trick Photography|Albert A. Hopkins

The building was originally used for a cyclorama, but was entirely remodeled when put to its new use.
Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions Including Trick Photography|Albert A. Hopkins

British Dictionary definitions for cyclorama

cyclorama

/ (ˌsaɪkləʊˈrɑːmə) /

noun

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

Derived Forms

cycloramic (ˌsaɪkləʊˈræmɪk), adjective

Word Origin for cyclorama

C19: cyclo- + Greek horama view, sight, on the model of panorama

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012