cavernous

Cavernous is an adjective with several related senses. In everyday language, it describes something hollow or cave-like, or very large and deep, often used for spaces that resemble a cavern: a cavernous chamber, a cavernous echo, a cavernous warehouse. The term emphasizes openness and depth, sometimes with a sense of darkness or silence. The word derives from Latin cavernosus, from caverna, cave.

In anatomy and medicine, cavernous denotes tissues or spaces that contain large, vascular cavities. The corpora cavernosa are paired sponge-like bodies in the penis that fill with blood during erection. Similar cavernous tissue exists in other parts of the body. The cavernous sinuses are venous channels on either side of the pituitary gland that drain venous blood from the brain. Cavernous hemangioma is a vascular birthmark or tumor composed of large, dilated blood vessels. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition often arising from infection in the facial or orbital region.

In architecture and historical descriptions, "cavernous" can describe large, vaulted interiors with ample space and subdued light, such as cathedrals or underground spaces. It may convey impression of grandeur or gloom depending on context.

Overall, the term is widely used across disciplines to signal cavern-like qualities, whether literal (anatomical cavities) or figurative (vast, echoing spaces).