compluvium
The Latin word for skylight is compluvium.
compluvium refers to a window dome or an opening in a roof.
Meaning: window dome or opening in the roof (noun)
Did you know?
- Ancient Romans didn't use glass for the compluvium, leaving it entirely open to the sky and the elements.
- In a traditional Roman atrium, the compluvium and impluvium together created a natural ventilation system that cooled the entire house.
- The term contains the root pluit, which is the same root found in the English word 'pluvial' relating to rain.
Examples in context
- Compluvium in domo lucem mittit.The skylight lets light into the house.
- Compluvium aquam in atrium ducit.The skylight directs water into the atrium.
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are looking at the roof of a Roman house.
- LuciaVide hoc magnum compluvium!Look at this large skylight!
- MarcusIta, Marcus lucem amat.Yes, Marcus loves the light.
- LuciaEstne compluvium aperta?Is the skylight open?
- MarcusIta, pluvia intrat.Yes, the rain is coming in.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compluvium, CC BY-SA 4.0.
