noun
rotunda
roh-TUN-duh/rəʊˈtʌndə/
A round building or room, often topped by a dome.
The rotunda forms a grand circular hall beneath a domed roof.
Etymology
Latin rotundus described a round or wheel-like shape. As an architectural name, it first designated a round building, especially the Pantheon, and later also a circular room within a building.
In context
we have the awe-inspiring Rotunda, located in the heart of Thessaloniki. Originally built as a mausoleum, this impressive circular structure has a history dating back to the early 4th century AD.
More examples
- The garden's small rotunda provides shelter from the rain.
- Several galleries open onto the spacious rotunda.
- The architect's plans include rotundas with glass domes.
Forms
rotunda · rotundas
Similar words
- circular hall
- Specifies a round interior space, not an entire building.
- round building
- Specifies a whole structure, rather than a room within one.