Cu"po*la (k?"p?-l?), n.; pl.
Cupolas (-l?z). [It. cupola, LL.
cupula, cuppula (cf. L. cupula little tub).
fr. cupa, cuppa, cup; cf. L. cupa tub. So
called on account of its resemblance to a cup turned over. See
Cup, and cf. Cupule.] 1.
(Arch.) A roof having a rounded form, hemispherical
or nearly so; also, a ceiling having the same form. When on a
large scale it is usually called dome.
2. A small structure standing on the top
of a dome; a lantern.
3. A furnace for melting iron or other
metals in large quantity, -- used chiefly in foundries and steel
works.
4. A revolving shot-proof turret for
heavy ordnance.
5. (Anat.) The top of the spire of
the cochlea of the ear.