atrium

noun atri·um \ˈā-trē-əm\

: an open area inside a tall building that has windows to let light in from above

: one of two sections of the heart that take in blood from the veins

plural atria \-trē-ə\ also atri·ums

Full Definition of ATRIUM

: the central room of a Roman house

plural usually atriums

a : a rectangular open patio around which a house is built

b : a many-storied court in a building (as a hotel) usually with a skylight

[New Latin, from Latin] : an anatomical cavity or passage; especially : the chamber or either of the chambers of the heart that receives blood from the veins and forces it into the ventricle or ventricles — see heart illustration

— atri·al \-trē-əl\ adjective

See atrium defined for English-language learners

See atrium defined for kids

Origin of ATRIUM

Latin

First Known Use: 1577

ATRIUMS Defined for Kids

atrium

noun atri·um \ˈā-trē-əm\

Definition of ATRIUM for Kids

: the part of the heart that receives blood from the veins

Medical Dictionary

atrium

noun atri·um \ˈā-trē-əm\

plural atria \-trē-ə\ also atri·ums

Medical Definition of ATRIUM

: an anatomical cavity or passage; especially : a chamber of the heart that receives blood from the veins and forces it into a ventricle or ventricles