Hypertext Webster Gateway: "arena"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Arena \A*re"na\, n.; pl. E. {Arenas}; L. {Aren[ae]}. [L. arena,
harena, sand, a sandy place.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) The area in the central part of an
amphitheater, in which the gladiators fought and other
shows were exhibited; -- so called because it was covered
with sand.
2. Any place of public contest or exertion; any sphere of
action; as, the arenaof debate; the arena of life.
3. (Med.) ``Sand'' or ``gravel'' in the kidneys.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
arena
n 1: a particular environment or walk of life; "his social sphere
is limited"; "it was a closed area of employment"; "he's
out of my orbit" [syn: {sphere}, {domain}, {area}, {orbit},
{field}]
2: the central area of an ancient Roman amphitheater where
contests and spectacles were held; especially a
sand-strewn area
3: a large structure for open-air sports or entertainments
[syn: {stadium}, {bowl}]
4: a playing field where sports events take place [syn: {scene
of action}]
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