— amphitheatric /am'feuh thee a"trik/ , amphitheatrical , adj. — amphitheatrically , adv.
/am"feuh thee'euh teuhr, -theeeu'teuhr/ , n.
1. an oval or round building with tiers of seats around a central open area, as those used in ancient Rome for gladiatorial contests.
2. any similar place for public contests, games, performances, exhibitions, etc.; an arena, stadium, or auditorium.
3. a room having tiers of seats arranged around a central area, in which students and other observers can view surgery, hear lectures, etc.
4. Brit.
a. the first section of seats in the gallery of a theater.
b. a designated section of seats in any part of a theater.
5. a level area of oval or circular shape surrounded by rising ground.
Also, amphitheatre .
[ 1540-50; amphitheatrum amphithéatron. See AMPHI-, THEATER ]