atrium

Definition

A central room or space in ancient Roman homes, open to the sky in the middle; a similar space in other buildings.

Etymology

From Latin ātrium (“entry hall”), from Etruscan.

Example Sentences

• "an atrium of the infundibula of the lungs"
• "Nexine 0.5μ thick, separating from the sexine about 5μ from the pore and forming a deep, well-defined atrium."