domed

Domed is an adjective describing something that has a dome or domelike form. A dome is a rounded vault, typically hemispherical, that projects from a base and encloses space overhead. The term is used across disciplines—architecture, geography, geology, and design—to indicate a surface or structure shaped like a dome.

In architecture, domes have been used since ancient times to cover large interior spaces without columns. Common varieties include hemispherical domes, onion domes, and geodesic domes. Domes also appear in engineering and decorative contexts. They can serve symbolic purposes, weatherproof spaces, and create acoustically favorable environments. Structurally, a dome distributes weight through a central apex and outward along its supporting rib or arch network.

Construction methods vary: masonry and concrete domes rely on compression and thick supporting rings; timber and steel domes use frames with a shell or lattice. Modern domes may incorporate synthetic membranes, glazing, or retractable roofs. Key engineering considerations include base stability, thermal movement, water sealing, wind loads, and seismic resistance, all of which influence shape, thickness, and anchorage.

Domed describes not only architecture but also natural and human-made forms. Domed stadiums and arenas—such as the Astrodome in Houston (1965) and the Louisiana Superdome (1975)—exemplify enclosed, weather-protected spaces. In geology, doming refers to the uplift of rock layers into a dome-shaped structure.