mattamore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare / obsoleteArchaic, historical, literary
Quick answer
What does “mattamore” mean?
A subterranean storage chamber, cellar, or repository.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subterranean storage chamber, cellar, or repository; a vault or strong room for storing valuables or provisions.
A historical term referring to an underground chamber, sometimes specifically an ice house, a burial crypt, or a secure storehouse for grain or treasure. In some contexts, it implies a hidden or secret place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No discernible difference in usage. The term is equally archaic and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of antiquity, secrecy, and possibly medieval or Middle Eastern settings.
Frequency
Virtually never used in contemporary speech or writing in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “mattamore” in a Sentence
The mattamore was filled with...They stored the provisions in a mattamore.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possible in historical or archaeological texts describing ancient architecture or storage methods.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Might be encountered in specialised historical or architectural glossaries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mattamore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mattamore”
- Misspelling as 'matamore' or 'mattamoor'.
- Using it in a modern context where 'cellar' or 'vault' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and archaic term. You are very unlikely to encounter it outside of specific historical or literary contexts.
A 'mattamore' specifically implies a subterranean chamber for storage, often with connotations of security, secrecy, or antiquity. A 'cellar' is the common modern term, usually for a basement used for storage, without the archaic or secretive nuance.
No, 'mattamore' is exclusively a noun in historical usage. There is no attested verb form.
No. It is a word for passive recognition only, useful for advanced learners interested in historical vocabulary or reading older texts. For active vocabulary, use 'cellar', 'vault', or 'crypt'.
A subterranean storage chamber, cellar, or repository.
Mattamore is usually archaic, historical, literary in register.
Mattamore: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmatəmɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmætəmɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MAT of earth covering a secure MORE of treasure – a MAT-ta-MORE – an underground storage vault.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE / SECRETS ARE BURIED TREASURE (e.g., 'He unlocked the mattamore of his memories').
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the word 'mattamore' be most appropriately used?