Whis·per·ing, a. & n. from Whisper. v. t.
Whispering gallery, or Whispering dome, one of such a form that sounds produced in certain parts of it are concentrated by reflection from the walls to another part, so that whispers or feeble sounds are audible at a much greater distance than under ordinary circumstances. The dome of the U. S. capitol building is one example.
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Gal·ler·y n.; pl. Galleries
1. A long and narrow corridor, or place for walking; a connecting passageway, as between one room and another; also, a long hole or passage excavated by a boring or burrowing animal.
2. A room for the exhibition of works of art; as, a picture gallery; hence, also, a large or important collection of paintings, sculptures, etc.
3. A long and narrow platform attached to one or more sides of public hall or the interior of a church, and supported by brackets or columns; -- sometimes intended to be occupied by musicians or spectators, sometimes designed merely to increase the capacity of the hall.
4. Naut. A frame, like a balcony, projecting from the stern or quarter of a ship, and hence called stern gallery or quarter gallery, -- seldom found in vessels built since 1850.
5. Fort. Any communication which is covered overhead as well as at the sides. When prepared for defense, it is a defensive gallery.
6. Mining A working drift or level.
Whispering gallery. See under Whispering.
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whispering gallery
n : a space beneath a dome or arch in which sounds produced at
certain points are clearly audible at certain distant
points [syn: whispering dome]