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dome

n. · v.
US //ˈdoʊm// UK //dˈəʊm// dome
  1. 1 architectural roof (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a rounded roof that looks like the top half of a ball.

    a structural element resembling the hollow upper half of a sphere, typically used as a roof or ceiling.

    Example

    The gold dome of the cathedral could be seen from miles away.

    Example

    The architect designed a massive glass dome to crown the atrium, allowing natural light to flood the interior of the shopping complex.
  2. 2 rounded cover or shape (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    any object or cover that is shaped like an upside-down bowl.

    any object or covering characterized by a convex, hemispherical shape.

    Example

    The waiter lifted the silver dome to reveal the main course.

    Example

    A protective plastic dome was placed over the delicate scientific equipment to prevent dust contamination during the construction phase.
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  1. 3 geological formation (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a rounded hill or rock shape formed by pressure from underground.

    a rounded geological feature consisting of symmetrical anticlines that intersect at their highest point.

    Example

    The salt dome underground created a perfect trap for oil and gas.

    Example

    Geologists identified a significant granite dome that had been exposed by millions of years of wind and water erosion.
  2. 4 the head (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    a person's head.

    a person's head, often used when referring to a bald head or a large forehead.

    Example

    He wore a warm hat to protect his bald dome from the winter cold.

    Example

    The comedian made several self-deprecating jokes about his shiny dome reflecting the stage lights.
  3. 5 to shape like a dome (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    to make something into a rounded, ball-like shape.

    to give a hemispherical or convex shape to a surface or object.

    Example

    The heat caused the plastic to dome slightly in the center.

    Example

    The metal was carefully domed using a hydraulic press to ensure the structural integrity of the pressure vessel.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French dome, domme (modern French dôme), from Italian duomo, from Latin domus (ecclesiae) (literally “house (of the church)”), a calque of Ancient Greek οἶκος τῆς ἐκκλησίας (oîkos tês ekklēsías). Doublet of domus and duomo.

Idioms2 entries

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