From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
theater
n 1: a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture
shows can be presented; "the house was full" [syn:
theatre, house]
2: the art of writing and producing plays [syn: dramaturgy,
dramatic art, dramatics, theatre]
3: a region in which active military operations are in
progress; "the army was in the field awaiting action"; "he
served in the Vietnam theater for three years" [syn:
field, field of operations, theater of operations,
theatre, theatre of operations]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Theater \The"a*ter\, Theatre \The"a*tre\, n. [F. th['e][^a]tre,
L. theatrum, Gr. ?, fr. ? to see, view; cf. Skr. dhy[=a] to
meditate, think. Cf. Theory.]
1. An edifice in which dramatic performances or spectacles
are exhibited for the amusement of spectators; anciently
uncovered, except the stage, but in modern times roofed.
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2. Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performances
before an assembly, as public lectures, scholastic
exercises, anatomical demonstrations, surgical operations,
etc.
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3. That which resembles a theater in form, use, or the like;
a place rising by steps or gradations, like the seats of a
theater. --Burns.
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Shade above shade, a woody theater
Of stateliest view. --Milton.
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4. A sphere or scheme of operation. [Obs.]
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For if a man can be partaker of God's theater, he
shall likewise be partaker of God's rest. --Bacon.
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5. A place or region where great events are enacted; as, the
theater of war.
[1913 Webster] Theatin