In architecture, a cupola (/ˈk(j)uːpələ/)[1] is a relatively small, usually dome-like structure on top of a building[2] often crowning a larger roof or dome.[3][4] Cupolas often serve as a roof lantern to admit light and air or as a lookout.
The word derives, via Italian, from lower Latin cupula (classical Latin cupella), from Ancient Greek κύπελλον (kúpellon) 'small cup' (Latin cupa), indicating a vault resembling an upside-down cup.[a]
The cylindrical drum underneath a larger cupola is called a tholobate.
- ^ "cupola". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster.
- ^ "Glossary of Architectural Terms - C". Archiseek: Online Architecture Resources. Archived from the original on 27 December 2008. Retrieved 3 January 2009.
- ^ "cupola". The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (5th ed.). HarperCollins. Retrieved 2015-04-26.
- ^ "Just what is a cupola anyway?". Cupola Consulting. Retrieved 3 January 2009.
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