vault
1
vault
(vôlt) noun
1.
a. An arched structure, usually of stone, brick, or concrete, forming the supporting structure of a ceiling or roof. b. An arched overhead covering, such as the sky, that resembles the architectural structure in form.
2. A room or space, such as a cellar or storeroom, with arched walls and ceiling, especially when underground.
3. A room or compartment, often built of steel, for the safekeeping of valuables: a bank vault.
4. A burial chamber, especially when underground.
5. Anatomy. An arched part of the body, especially the top part of the skull.
verb
, transitive
vaulted
, vaulting, vaults
1.
To construct or supply with an arched ceiling; cover with a vault.
2.
To build or make in the shape of a vault; arch.
[Middle English vaute, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *volvita,, *volta from feminine of
volvitus, arched, alteration of Latin volūtus past participle of volvere, to roll.]