How Do You Spell COMPLUVIUM?

Pronunciation: [kəmplˈuːvi͡əm] (IPA)

Compluvium is a Latin word that refers to an opening in the roof of a Roman atrium, through which rainwater would enter. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [kɒmpluːviəm]. The first syllable, 'com', is pronounced with a long 'o' sound followed by a 'm' sound, and the second syllable is pronounced with a long 'u' sound and a 'v' sound. The ending '-ium' is pronounced with a short 'i' sound followed by a 'əm' sound.

COMPLUVIUM Meaning and Definition

1. Compluvium is a term commonly used in architectural and interior design contexts to describe a specific architectural feature found in ancient Roman houses. The term originates from the Latin word "compluvium," which means "a place where rainwater collects."

   In Roman domestic architecture, particularly in the atrium house, the compluvium refers to an opening or aperture in the roof of the central atrium. The primary purpose of the compluvium was to allow natural light and rainwater to enter the interior of the house. It was an essential element of the atrium's design as it helped to create an airy and bright environment within the house.

   Typically, the compluvium was rectangular or square in shape, and it was often surrounded by a shallow basin or a catchment tank called the impluvium, which collected the rainwater for various uses in the house. The compluvium was strategically positioned directly above the impluvium, ensuring efficient drainage of rainwater into the impluvium.

   Besides its practical functions, the compluvium also had symbolic significance. It represented a connection between the domestic space and the divine cosmic forces, allowing the inhabitants to experience the beneficial effects of natural elements such as sunlight and water.

   Today, the term compluvium is also used more broadly to describe any open or partially covered courtyard or opening in a roof that allows natural light and rain to enter an interior space.

Common Misspellings for COMPLUVIUM

• xompluvium
• vompluvium
• fompluvium
• dompluvium
• cimpluvium
• ckmpluvium
• clmpluvium
• cpmpluvium
• c0mpluvium
• c9mpluvium
• conpluvium
• cokpluvium
• cojpluvium
• comoluvium
• comlluvium
• com-luvium
• com0luvium
• compkuvium
• comppuvium
• compouvium

Etymology of COMPLUVIUM

The word "compluvium" originates from Latin, specifically from the combination of two words: "com-" meaning "together" or "with", and "pluvia" meaning "rain". In ancient Roman architecture and design, the compluvium refers to the opening or opening area located in the roof above the atrium of a house. Its purpose was to allow natural light into the interior space and also to collect and channel rainwater into the impluvium, a shallow pool or basin situated below the compluvium.

Plural form of COMPLUVIUM is COMPLUVIA