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Reference.org
Cupola
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Architecture/FccThs8G">architecture</a>, a cupola is a relatively small, usually <a href="/facts/Dome/vcv5uuXj">dome</a>-like structure on top of a building often crowning a larger <a href="/facts/Roof/JwpVpNRk">roof</a> or dome. Cupolas often serve as a <a href="/facts/Roof_lantern/zcwqgFXd">roof lantern</a> to admit light and air or as a lookout. </p><p>The word derives, via <a href="/facts/Italian_language/YXsmvlQG">Italian</a>, from lower Latin <i>cupula</i> (classical Latin <i>cupella</i>), from <a href="/facts/Ancient_Greek_language/LIK7NlUh">Ancient Greek</a> <i> </i>κύπελλον<i> (<i>kúpellon</i>)</i> 'small cup' (Latin <i>cupa</i>), indicating a vault resembling an upside-down cup. </p><p>The cylindrical drum underneath a larger cupola is called a <a href="/facts/Tholobate/EjMhaJ3w">tholobate</a>. </p>