首页

megaplex

UK[ˈmɛɡəplɛks]US[ˈmɛɡəplɛks]
n

A very large building or complex, especially one containing a multiplex cinema with many screens.

Morpheme Breakdown

mega
plex
mega

large

plex

fold, weave

Etymology

The word 'megaplex' is a modern English compound, formed in the late 20th century by combining two classical elements. The first, 'mega-', derives from the ancient Greek megas, meaning "great" or "large," a root with a long history traceable to Proto-Indo-European meǵh₂- (great). The second element, '-plex', originates from the Latin verb plectere, meaning "to braid or weave," which evolved to signify something folded or intertwined, hence a complex structure. The term was created specifically to describe an entertainment venue of immense scale, logically blending the concept of enormous size ('mega-') with that of a multi-faceted, interwoven architectural complex ('-plex'), superseding the earlier 'multiplex'.

Analysis

Structure: mega (large) + plex (fold, weave) - mega: From Greek megas (great, large, mighty). A combining form meaning "very large" or "one million times." - plex: From Latin plexus, past participle of plectere (to braid, interweave, fold). In modern usage, it denotes something interwoven or complex, often a building or structure.

Examples

The new 30-screen megaplex on the outskirts of town is the largest cinema in the state.

The development plan includes a retail and entertainment megaplex designed to attract tourists.

Streaming services have forced many traditional megaplex cinemas to adapt their business models.

megaplex – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology