n.; pl. Cupolas [ 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 ceiling having the same form. When on a large scale it is usually called dome. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A small structure standing on the top of a dome; a lantern. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A furnace for melting iron or other metals in large quantity, -- used chiefly in foundries and steel works. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A revolving shot-proof turret for heavy ordnance. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Anat.) The top of the spire of the cochlea of the ear. [ 1913 Webster ] |