arena: [17] The original sense of Latin (h)arēna was ‘sand’ (hence the English technical term arenaceous ‘sandy’ [17]). The central, ‘stage’ area of classical amphitheatres, where contests were held, was covered with sand (to soak up the contestants’ blood) and so by metaphorical extension arēna became the term for this central area, and hence for any enclosed place used for contests. The word may ultimately be of Etruscan origin.
arena (n.)
1620s, "place of combat," from Latin harena "place of combat," originally "sand, sandy place," perhaps from Etruscan. The central stages of Roman amphitheaters were strewn with sand to soak up the blood.
雙語例句
1. A 20,000-seat arena with a retractable roof is planned.
一個有兩萬個座位、帶可開合頂棚的體育場正在規(guī)劃中。
來自柯林斯例句
2. Oil speculation proved a natural arena for his skills.
在石油業(yè)中進行投機活動對他來說游刃有余。
來自柯林斯例句
3. The competitors cantered into the arena to conclude the closing ceremony.