Alvéole; see Nimbus.
Alveus, R. (alvus, the belly). (1) A bath constructed in the floor of a room, the upper part of it projected above the floor, the lower part being sunk into the floor itself. (2) A playing-board, which was divided in the same manner as the ABACUS (q.v.). (3) A canoe hollowed out of the trunk of a tree, the Greek μονόξυλον. (4) The hull of a ship. (5) A wooden trough or tray.
Ama or Amula, Chr. A long phial for holding the wine presented at the altar at the moment of offering.
Amassette, Fr. An instrument of horn used for spreading colours on the stone in the process of grinding.
Amatito, Ital. Lapis Amatita. Amatito is the soft red hæmatite, and is called also matita rossa. Lapis amatita is the compact red hæmatite, and is also called in Italy mineral cinnabar, and in Spain albin. When this word is used by early writers on art, it probably indicates red ochre, the red hæmatite of mineralogists. (Fairholt.)
Amber. There are two varieties of this substance, viz., the grey and the yellow amber, of which the latter only need here be more particularly noticed. Its use may be traced back to a very early antiquity, the purposes to which it was applied being the setting of jewels and furniture. It was employed by the Jews for making amulets. Amber was also used by the Egyptians in the fabrication of necklaces composed of pearls or other delicate materials. By the Romans it was sculptured into vases or statuettes. The name of vasa electrina was given to amber vases set with silver, and that of electrina patera to pateræ made of amber alone. Amber was largely used by early painters as a varnish, and also as a vehicle. It is harder than copal, and is said to be the most durable of all varnishes. It requires a long time to fit it for polishing. Amber is supposed to be a vegetable fossil; it is washed up by the sea, especially on the shores of the Baltic.
Amber Yellow, is an ochre of a rich amber colour in its raw state; when burned it yields a fine brown red.
Ambitus, Gr. R. and Chr. (ambio, to go round about). A small niche in underground Greek or Roman tombs forming a receptacle for a cinerary urn. In the Middle Ages these niches were so far enlarged as to admit coffins; the name under which they then went being Enfeus (q.v.). During the same period the term ambitus was also applied to the consecrated ground by which a church was surrounded. It served as a place of asylum as well as for burial. The term is also applied to the process of canvassing for votes.
Ambivium, R. (ambi and via, a way round). Any road or street leading round a place.
