Am`phi*the"a*ter, Am`phi*the"a*tre, (#), n. [L. amphitheatrum, fr. Gr. ; + theater: cf. F. amphith'eatre. See Theater.]
1.
An oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats about an open space called the arena.
⇒ The Romans first constructed amphitheaters for combats of gladiators and wild beasts.
2.
Anything resembling an amphitheater in form; as, a level surrounded by rising slopes or hills, or a rising gallery in a theater.
© Webster 1913.