Definition

A type of couch used in ancient times that is shaped to face three sides of a rectangular table, often found in dining rooms where people would recline while eating.

Example

The wealthy family hosted their guests in the triclinium, where they enjoyed a lavish meal together.

Conversation

Did you know that the Romans used to eat on a triclinium?

Really? I always thought they just used regular tables.

Nope! The triclinium was actually designed for reclining while dining.

That sounds so comfortable! I wish we had something like that today.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Triclinium is formed from "tri-" (meaning three) and "clinium" (from the Greek "klinein", meaning to recline). The word refers to a dining room with three couches where guests would recline while eating.

Memory Tip

Think of three couches ('tri-') where people would 'recline' ('clinium') while enjoying their meal.

Visually Confused Words