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

Origin of cyclorama

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

Related formscy·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 Formscycloramic (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

Word Origin and History for cyclorama

cyclorama

"picture of a landscape on the interior surface of a cylindrical space," 1840, from cyclo- + -rama "spectacle."