hypogeum

[ hahy-puh-jee-uhm, hip-uh- ]

noun

, plural hy·po·ge·a [hahy-p, uh, -, jee, -, uh, hip-, uh, -].

1. Ancient Architecture. the underground part of a building, as a vault.
2. an underground burial chamber.

hypogeum

/ ˌhaɪpəˈdʒiːəm /

noun

1. an underground vault, esp one used for burials

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypogeum¹

1700–10; < Latin hypogēum < Greek hypógeion underground chamber (neuter of hypógeios underground), equivalent to hypo- hypo- + gê earth + -ion neuter adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypogeum¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek hupogeion; see hypogeal

Example Sentences

Verily you would think that the painter of these figures of the shades had only just quitted the hypogeum.

From Project Gutenberg

We shall call attention, however, to a hypogeum at Gizeh, which is numbered 81 in Lepsius's map of that tomb-field.

From Project Gutenberg

Violate the tombs, if she has taken refuge in the abodes of death, far within some passage or hypogeum.

From Project Gutenberg

That moment an old man, wearing a hooded mantle but with a bare head, issued from the hypogeum.

From Project Gutenberg

Here and there were separate monuments, and in the centre was the entrance to the hypogeum itself, or crypt.

From Project Gutenberg