velarium
/vəˈlɛriəm/
noun
- A large awning or canopy used in ancient Roman theaters or amphitheaters to provide shade.
- The velarium protected spectators from the hot sun during gladiator fights.
- The Colosseum's velarium was a massive cloth covering.
- Roman engineers designed the velarium to be raised and lowered by sailors.
- In biology, a membrane or curtain-like structure, especially in certain jellyfish or other marine animals.
- The jellyfish's velarium helps it swim by contracting and expanding.
- The velarium in some species is used for propulsion.
- Scientists observed the velarium of the box jellyfish under a microscope.