solarium
(səˈlɛərɪəm)
Pl. solaria.
[L. sōlārium, f. sōl sun. Cf. sollar n.1]
1. A sun-dial.
| 1842 Smith's Dict. Gk. & Rom. Antiq. 487/2 This solarium being made for a different meridian. Ibid., The number of solaria which have been discovered..in Italy. 1880 L. Wallace Ben-Hur 142 Lifting his eyes from the solarium set under the aplustre for reference in keeping the course. |
2. a. A terrace, balcony, or room exposed to the rays of the sun, now spec. one used for the purpose of treating illness by means of sun-baths; a sun-parlour. Also fig. Chiefly N. Amer.
| 1891 E. Eggleston Faith Doctor xxvi. 289 My brother kept a health-lift a few years ago.., and then he had a blue-glass solarium. 1894 The Voice (N.Y.) 20 Sept., The solariums on the roofs of the houses of the ancient Greeks and Romans testify to the benefits obtained by them from sun baths. 1904 J. Wells Life J. H. Wilson xvi. 139 The Church was a sort of spiritual solarium. 1911 G. W. James Grand Canyon iii. 20 It is called the solarium or sun-parlor. 1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 17 Feb. 45 (Advt.), Separate dining room with adjoining solarium—both overlook ravine. 1978 Morecambe Guardian 14 Mar. 25/1 (Advt.), Large..working kitchen, frontal solarium, porches [ect.]. |
b. A room equipped with sun-lamps.
| 1960 Playboy Mar. 70/2 There's a poolside soda fountain, as well as bar, massage rooms, steam cabinets, solaria, and Finnish baths. 1972 Homes & Gardens Sept. 20/2 The uncertain perils of the British climate..have finally induced one of our hotels to install a solarium. 1978 Cornish Guardian 27 Apr. 16/3 (Advt.). Heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium. |