naumachia

noun nau·ma·chia \nȯ-ˈmā-kē-ə, -ˈma-\

plural nau·ma·chi·ae\-kē-ˌē, -kē-ˌī\ or nau·ma·chi·as

Definition of NAUMACHIA

: an ancient Roman spectacle representing a naval battle

: a place for naumachiae

Latin, from Greek, naval battle, from naus ship + machesthai to fight — more at nave

First Known Use: 1596

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