The Latinized version of the Greek "stadion", this Modern English word is now used exclusively to mean a structure used to hold spectators for sporting events, featuring ascending rows of seats and sometimes skyboxes.

Most stadiums are large, open structures, although many consist of little more than a track and a single grandstand, and few very large ones sport domes to keep out the weather. A smaller, roofed sporting venue is more properly termed "arena".

Sta"di*um (?), n.; pl. Stadia (#). [L., a stadium (in sense 1), from Gr. &?;.]

1.

A Greek measure of length, being the chief one used for itinerary distances, also adopted by the Romans for nautical and astronomical measurements. It was equal to 600 Greek or 625 Roman feet, or 125 Roman paces, or to 606 feet 9 inches English. This was also called the Olympic stadium, as being the exact length of the foot-race course at Olympia. Dr. W. Smith.

2.

Hence, a race course; especially, the Olympic course for foot races.

3.

A kind of telemeter for measuring the distance of an object of known dimensions, by observing the angle it subtends; especially (Surveying), a graduated rod used to measure the distance of the place where it stands from an instrument having a telescope, by observing the number of the graduations of the rod that are seen between certain parallel wires (stadia wires) in the field of view of the telescope; -- also called stadia, and stadia rod.

 

© Webster 1913


Sta"di*um (?), n.

A modern structure, with its inclosure, resembling the ancient stadium, used for athletic games, etc.

 

© Webster 1913

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