atriums
|a-tri-ums|
/ˈeɪ.tri.əmz/
(atrium)
central space
Etymology
'atrium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'atrium', where it referred to the central room of a Roman house.
'atrium' passed from Latin into Medieval/Church Latin and then into Middle English as 'atrium', eventually becoming the modern English word 'atrium' (plural forms 'atria'/'atriums').
Initially, it meant 'the central room of a Roman house' (often open to the sky); over time it broadened to mean a central open space in buildings generally and was later applied metaphorically in anatomy to denote a 'chamber' of the heart.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'atrium': a large open central area in a building, often with a glass roof, that receives light and serves as an entrance or gathering space.
Many modern malls and office complexes feature spacious atriums with skylights.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural of 'atrium' in anatomy: either of the two upper chambers of the heart (left atrium and right atrium).
The scan showed that both atriums were slightly enlarged.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/13 23:28