CultureJune 16, 2026

rotunda

/roʊˈtʌn.də/

Definition

A large, circular room or hall, often located at the center of a public building and typically topped with a dome.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'rotundus,' meaning 'round.' It entered English through the Italian 'rotonda,' referring to architectural structures characterized by their circular design.

In the news

In this article, the word refers to the central, circular space within the Richard J. Riordan Central Library, which is serving as the host site for a massive pop-up book installation.

ON Culture: Art in Unexpected Places

Read the full article ↗

The Santa Barbara Independent

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