theater

theater or theatre [thē′ə tər]

n.

[ME theatre < OFr < L theatrum < Gr theatron < base of theasthai, to see, view < IE base * dhāu-, to see > Gr thauma, miracle]

1. a place where plays, operas, films, etc. are presented; esp., a building or outdoor structure expressly designed for such presentations

2. any place resembling a theater, esp. a lecture hall, surgical clinic, etc., having the floor of the seating space raked

3. any place where events take place; scene of operations; specif., an area of military operations, as in a war [a commander in the Southern Pacific theater]

4.

a) the dramatic art or dramatic works; drama

b) the theatrical world; people engaged in theatrical activity

c) the legitimate theater, as distinguished from films, TV, etc.: often with the

5. theatrical technique, production, etc. with reference to its effectiveness [a play that is good theater]