cyclorama

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

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.

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for cyclorama

Historical Examples of 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 instrument was no doubt the father of the pedometer and the cyclorama, just as the boy is frequently father to the man.
Nye and Riley's Wit and Humor (Poems and Yarns)
Bill Nye
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
The origin of the cyclorama is traced to the use of scenery by the Italians two or three hundred years ago.
Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions Including Trick Photography
Albert A. Hopkins
In a cyclorama of this kind it is necessary to have the scene portrayed with the utmost fidelity.
Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions Including Trick Photography
Albert A. Hopkins

British Dictionary definitions for cyclorama

cyclorama

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
1. a curtain or wall curving along the back of a stage, usually painted to represent the sky and serving to enhance certain lighting effects
2. 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

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