‖ compluvium Rom. Antiq.
(kəmˈpluːvɪəm)
[L. compluvium, f. compluĕre to flow together (of rain).]
A square opening in the roof of the atrium, through which fell the rain-water collected from the roof; also the inner square court into which the water so collected fell.
| 1832 Gell Pompeiana ii. xi. 2 The compluvium of the atrium is furnished with the mouths for cisterns. 1859 F. Mahoney Rel. Father Prout 467 Your traveller proceeded towards the compluvium, or open, quadrangular courtyard. |