n.
Pronunciation: ' st ā -d ē - ə m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -dia \ -d ē - ə \ or -di · ums
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek stadion
Date: 14th century
1 a : any of various ancient Greek units of length ranging in value from 607 to 738 feet (about 185 to 225 meters) b : an ancient Roman unit of length equal to 607 feet (185 meters)
2 a : a course for footraces in ancient Greece orig. one stadium in length b : a tiered structure with seats for spectators surrounding an ancient Greek running track c : a large usually roofless building with tiers of seats for spectators at sports events
3 [ New Latin, from L] : a stage in a life history especially : one between successive molts of an insect