Anticamera

/ˌæntiˈkæmərə/ noun

Definition

A waiting room or antechamber, especially in a formal building like a palace or government office.

Etymology

From Italian anticamera, from Latin anti- (before) + camera (room/chamber). This Italian term was used in Renaissance palaces to describe the room before the main chamber.

Kelly Says

In Renaissance palaces, the anticamera was where visitors waited and were evaluated before being admitted to the important person—it's basically the 'vibe check' room, and the design itself communicated your status based on how close you were allowed to get.

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