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apodyterium

apodyterium

1 9.9
A room in ancient Roman baths where visitors leave clothes before bathing
  • noun
  • /ˌæpəˈdaɪtəriəm/
  • Archaic
: apoditerio
  • Archaeologists discovered coins and sandals in the remains of an ancient apodyterium.

Examples

  • The guide explained that the apodyterium was the first room visitors entered in a Roman bathhouse.

  • Before entering the baths, Romans would leave their belongings in the apodyterium.

  • The apodyterium was spacious and well-ventilated.

  • Visitors often left their clothes in the apodyterium.

  • Visitors left their clothes in the apodyterium before entering the baths.

  • The spacious apodyterium allowed bathers to change comfortably.

  • In the apodyterium, patrons could store their belongings while they enjoyed the facilities.

Synonyms

bathing machine
vsapodyterium
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A small hut on wheels used on old beaches for changing clothes and entering the sea privately

is a fixed communal room in ancient baths for leaving clothes before bathing

Surface Forms

apodyterium singular
apodyteria plural

Etymology

Apodyterium comes from Greek parts apo- meaning 'away' and dyein meaning 'to take off'. So it was the room where people took off and left their clothes before bathing, a 'changing room'.