Coliseum
/ˌkɒl.ɪˈsiː.əm/noun
A large amphitheater or arena, especially the Roman Colosseum in Rome.
Did you know?The famous Roman Colosseum got its name from the nearby Colossus of Nero, a massive bronze statue, and the building’s name only later became a symbol for any great arena.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κολοσσός (kolossós)
“A giant statue or huge figure”
Latin
Latin
colossus
“A gigantic statue, especially the Colossus of Nero”
Late Latin
Latin
colosseum
“A large amphitheater near the Colossus”
Medieval Latin
Latin
colyseus / coliseus
“A form influenced by the building’s association with the colossal statue”
Modern English
English
coliseum
“A large arena or amphitheater”