Catacomb

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkætəkuːm/

Definitions

1. A network of underground chambers or tunnels used historically for burial purposes and to inter the deceased within a particular cultural context
2. Subterranean passages that serve as burial sites for human remains, often enriched with historical or cultural significance
3. An extensive maze of subterranean burial spaces historically used for interring the dead

Etymology: The most striking thing about "catacomb" is that it started as a place name. Late Latin "catacumbae" was the name of the underground cemetery of St. Sebastian on the Appian Way in Rome, and the word only later spread to describe underground burial tunnels in general. Old English borrowed it as "catacumbe" and Middle English as "catacombe," so English speakers have used it for well over a thousand years. Its origin is uncertain. One proposal is that it comes from Greek "katá" meaning "under" and "túmbos" meaning "tomb," which would give something like "among the tombs." Over time, the Latin form may have been altered by dissimilation, a sound change that makes two similar sounds less alike, possibly influenced by a Latin verb meaning "to lie down" or "recline." Another suggestion links it to Greek "kúmbē," a drinking vessel, but the meaning connection is unclear, so that idea remains doubtful.

Synonyms: tomb, crypt