catacombe
catacomb
noun kah-tah-KOMB Rare
Origin: Late Latin catacumbas, of uncertain origin
Usage Note
Catacombe is almost always used in the plural les catacombes. Paris's catacombs (les Catacombes de Paris) are a major cultural landmark — underground ossuaries holding the remains of over six million people, repurposed from former limestone quarries in the 18th century. The word applies to any underground burial gallery, particularly early Christian ones in Rome.
Examples
"Les catacombes de Paris attirent de nombreux touristes."
Natural Translation
The Paris catacombs attract many tourists.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
