Pronunciation: [kˈavənə] (IPA) 
The word "caverna" is a noun that means a large underground chamber. The spelling of this word in English can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The initial "c" is pronounced as /k/, the "a" sounds like /æ/, the "v" is pronounced like /v/, "e" is pronounced as /ɛ/, "r" is like /r/, "n" sounds like /n/, and "a" is like the previous one. So, the phonetic transcription of "caverna" in IPA is /kævɛrnə/.
Caverna, spelled and usually pronounced "kaver·na" in English, is a noun representing a natural underground cavity or hollow space within a rock or mountain, typically formed by the erosion or dissolution of limestone or other soluble rocks. The term derives from the Latin word "caverna", which means cave or hollow place.
Cavernas are characterized by their extensive size, often exhibiting various chambers, passages, and recesses that extend deep beneath the surface. These structures are typically created over prolonged periods of time due to the gradual action of water, whether by seepage, underground rivers, or other erosional processes. The resulting formations within cavernas may include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, or flowstones, which are formed from mineral deposits left behind as water drips or flows through the cave.
Cavernas possess a unique and fascinating ecosystem, typically hosting a diverse range of organisms that have adapted to the dark and nutrient-poor environment. These can include various species of bats, insects, and other invertebrates that rely on the cave as their habitat.
Cavernas have often captivated human imagination throughout history, being the subject of mythologies, legends, and exploration. Many of them have become tourist attractions, allowing visitors to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and mysteries concealed in the depths of the Earth.
The word caverna originates from the Latin term caverna, which means cave or grotto. Latin derives this term from the root word cavus, meaning hollow or concave. Caverna has been incorporated into various Romance languages, including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, where it retains the same meaning as cave.
