Compluvia

/kɒmˈpluːviə/ noun

Definition

Plural of compluvium; plural form referring to architectural features or spaces related to water collection in Roman buildings.

Etymology

Directly from Latin 'compluvia', the plural of 'compluvium', meaning 'places where rain flows together.' The Latin word is composed of 'com-' (together) and 'pluvial' (relating to rain).

Kelly Says

Archaeologists working on Roman sites still use 'compluvia' when discussing how ancient architects engineered water management—these features were crucial for collecting rainwater in atriums, which was the entire water supply for some buildings.

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