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.