Catacomb

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkatəˌkəʊm/ less commonly IPA: /ˈkatÉ™kuːm/
• US IPA: /ˈkætakoÊŠm/, /ˈkætÉ™kuːm/

Origin

From French catacombe, from Italian catacomba, from late Latin catacumbas, Ancient Greek κατά (kata, "under"), Latin cumba ("cavity").

Full definition of catacomb

Noun

1. An underground system of tunnels and chambers with recesses for graves, used (in former times) as a cemetery; a subterranean tunnel system used for burying the dead, as in Paris or ancient Rome.

Usage notes

Often used in the plural.