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English Lexicon

Catacomb

/ˈkæt.əˌkoʊm/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #14200 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An underground cemetery consisting of a subterranean gallery with recesses for tombs.

    "The ancient catacombs beneath the city contain the remains of thousands of early inhabitants."
  2. 2

    A complex, dark, and labyrinthine underground passage or series of rooms.

    "Walking through the old wine cellars felt like exploring a dusty catacomb."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the late Latin phrase 'ad catacumbas', referring to a specific subterranean cemetery near the basilica of San Sebastiano outside Rome. The root 'catacumbas' likely comes from Greek 'kata' (down) and a local place name or regional term, eventually shifting in Late Latin to denote any underground burial vault.

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