capitol
UK: ˈkæp.ɪ.təl | US: ˈkæp.ɪ.t̬əl
n. 1. A building where a legislative body meets (e.g., the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.).
n. 2. (Historical) The temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Rome's Capitoline Hill.
capitol = capit<head> + ol<diminutive/location suffix>
- capit<head>: From Latin caput (head), referring to the Capitoline Hill (Capitolium), the symbolic "head" of ancient Rome.
- ol<diminutive/location suffix>: A Latin suffix denoting association or place.
Etymology Origin:
The word capitol traces back to the Capitolium, the temple of Jupiter on Rome's Capitoline Hill, which symbolized political and religious authority. Over time, it generalized to denote seats of government, particularly in the U.S. (e.g., the Capitol building). The morpheme capit reflects the hill's role as the "head" of the city, while -ol marks its sacred and institutional significance.
The U.S. Capitol is an iconic symbol of American democracy.
Protesters gathered outside the state capitol to demand legislative action.
Ancient Romans considered the Capitolium the spiritual center of their empire.
The dome of the Capitol gleamed under the afternoon sun.
Tours of the Capitol include visits to the Senate and House chambers.