colosseum

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a large amphitheater in Rome whose construction was begun by Vespasian about AD 75 or 80

Etymology

From Latin colossēum, from neuter of colosseus (“gigantic”), from Ancient Greek κολοσσιαῖος (kolossiaîos), from κολοσσός (kolossós, “giant statue”). By surface analysis, colossus + -eum.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Amphitheatrum Flavium

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