cupola Meaning, Definition & Usage

Cu"po*la noun

Etymology

It. cupola, LL. cupula, cuppula (cf. L. cupula little tub). fr. cupa, cuppa, cup; cf. L. cupa tub. So called on account of its resemblance to a cup turned over. See Cup, and cf.Cupule.

Wordforms

plural Cupolas

Definitions

1. (Arch.) A roof having a rounded form, hemispherical or nearly so; also, a celing having the same form. When on a large scale it is usually called dome.
2. A small structure standing on the top of a dome; a lantern.
3. A furnace for melting iron or other metals in large quantity, -- used chiefly in foundries and steel works.
4. A revoling shot-proof turret for heavy ordnance.
5. (Anat.) The top of the spire of the cochlea of the ear.