Cu"po*la (k?"p?-l?), n.; pl. Cupolas (-lz). [It. cupola, LL. cupula, cuppula (cf. L. cupula little tub). fr. cupa, cuppa, cup; cf. L. cupa tub. So called on account of its resemblance to a cup turned over. See Cup, and cf.Cupule.]

1. Arch.

A roof having a rounded form, hemispherical or nearly so; also, a celing having the same form. When on a large scale it is usually called dome.

2.

A small structure standing on the top of a dome; a lantern.

3.

A furnace for melting iron or other metals in large quantity, -- used chiefly in foundries and steel works.

4.

A revoling shot-proof turret for heavy ordnance.

5. Anat.

The top of the spire of the cochlea of the ear.

 

© Webster 1913.

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