observation dome
1
6.4
- noun
- /ˌɑbvərˈveɪʃən doʊm/
- Jargon
:
cúpula de observación
- The observation dome allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the stars at night.
Examples
-
Welstead craned his neck through the observation dome.
Fiction book (1992) -
We've got to get Karl to the observation dome.
-
At Reith's direction, Traz stood in the observation dome, watching over the field.
Fiction book (1993) -
From the observation dome, Welstead glimpsed hurrying knots of people coming toward them.
Fiction book (1992) -
All such thoughts left my head when we reached the observation dome, which offered an unobstructed view in every direction—a view that stretched the limits of my credulity even further.
Fiction book (2000) -
From the observation dome, we could see the entire city lit up below us.
-
The scientists gathered in the observation dome to study the solar eclipse.
Synonyms
116
3.4
A rounded roof or ceiling on a building, such as a church
1
3.9
A curved cover of glass that protects things and lets light in
1
4.4
A place where people watch and record weather, animals, or stars
A dome on a building that can open and close using a machine
How Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a dome for observing' is directly and compositionally derived from 'observation' (the act of watching) + 'dome' (a rounded roof or structure). This follows a common noun-noun compounding pattern in English (and many other languages), so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Observation dome is named for a clear picture: a rounded dome on top of a building that opens so people can make an observation, like an eye opening to 'watch the sky'. So, it means a dome-shaped lookout used for telescopes and to 'look at the stars'.