[am.phi.the.ater] n [L amphitheatrum, fr. Gk amphitheatron, fr. amphi- + theatron theater] (14c) 1: an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used in ancient Rome esp. for contests and spectacles
2. a: a very large auditorium b: a room with a gallery from which doctors and students may observe surgical operations c: a rising gallery in a modern theater d: a flat or gently sloping area surrounded by abrupt slopes
3: a place of public games or contests -- am.phi.the.at.ric or am.phi.the.at.ri.cal adj -- am.phi.the.at.ri.cal.ly adv