释义 |
the·a·ter I. noun or the·a·tre \ˈthēə]d.ə(r), ˈthiə], ]tə sometimes ˈthēˌā] or thēˈā]\ (-s) Etymology: Middle English theatre, from Middle French, from Latin theatrum, from Greek theatron, from theasthai to see, view (from thea action of seeing, sight) + -tron, suffix denoting means, instrument, or place; akin to Greek thauma wonder, miracle — more at -tron 1. a. : an outdoor structure for dramatic performances or spectacles in ancient Greece and Rome including a stage with associated buildings and usually semicircular tiers of unroofed seats b. : a building for dramatic performances in modern times usually including a stage with side wings and flies and with dressing rooms for actors and an auditorium often with balconies and boxes : playhouse c. obsolete : a theater stage d. : a theater audience : house < the theater applauded him warmly > e. : a building for the showing of motion pictures f. : a company of performers which presents plays or dances 2. : something resembling a theater in form or use: as a. : a place rising by steps or gradations < shade above shade, a woody theater of stateliest view — John Milton > b. : a room often with rising tiers of seats for lectures, surgical demonstrations, or other assemblies or exhibitions < the hospital has … a clinic theater for student instruction — American Guide Series: Maryland > c. usually theatre, Britain : a hospital operating room 3. obsolete : a comprehensive outline or view : conspectus — used chiefly in book titles 4. a. : a place or sphere that is the scene of dramatic events or significant action < the theater of public life > < this was the theater of … the most stupendous financial fiasco in the history of the world — F.J.Haskin > b. : the scene of a public ceremony (as a temporary platform) < the cathedral crossing became the coronation theater > 5. obsolete : example, exhibition, spectacle 6. a. : written dramatic literature : plays < the theater of Eugene O'Neill > < the theater of 19th century France > b. : dramatic performance or representation : drama as an active art < naïveté was the keynote to the American theater — Otis Skinner > c. : dramatic aptitude or effectiveness : skillful depiction of character or of the conflict or interplay of persons < this is pure theater — Cecile Starr > < the play makes lively theater > < the weakest theater in the play > II. \ˈthēə|d.ə(r), ˈthiə|, |tə\ adjective Etymology: theater, noun : tactical < theater nuclear weapons > |