Definition of impluvium in English:
impluvium
nounPlural impluvia ɪmˈpluːvɪəm
The square basin in the centre of the atrium of an ancient Roman house, which received rainwater from an opening in the roof.
Example sentencesExamples
- North of the impluvium you see an elaborate cantibulum resting between the two northern-most columns.
- Further to the impluvium there was an underground tank connected to it which could catch any excess rainwater.
- The eroded surfaces are now masked as damp woods which have invaded impluvia, gorges and escarpments.
- A wellhead next to the impluvium provided access to the water stored in the cistern.
- The ancient Romans used the water collected in the impluvium to supplement their aqueduct system.
Origin
Latin, from impluere 'rain into'.