dome
UK: dəʊm | US: doʊm
n. a rounded roof or ceiling, especially one on a large or monumental building
n. a natural formation or object resembling such a structure (e.g., a volcanic dome)
n. (slang) the head
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The word "dome" traces back to the Latin "domus" (house), reflecting its architectural association with grand structures. It entered English via the Italian "duomo" (cathedral), emphasizing its link to monumental buildings with rounded roofs. The silent "e" is a common feature in English spelling, preserving the word's historical form while simplifying pronunciation. Over time, "dome" expanded metaphorically to describe natural formations (e.g., volcanic domes) and even slang for the human head, echoing its rounded shape.
The cathedral's dome towered over the city skyline.
Geologists studied the lava dome forming in the volcano.
He rubbed his dome after bumping into the low ceiling.
The observatory's glass dome offered a clear view of the stars.
The ancient Romans pioneered dome construction in architecture.