Dictionary entry

Grotto

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Grot″to (grŏt″tō̍), n.; pl.Grottoes (–tōz). [Formerly grotta, fr. It. grotta, LL. grupta, fr. L. crypta a concealed subterranean passage, vault, cavern, Gr. κρύπτη, fr. κρυπτόσ concealed, fr. κρύπτειν to conceal. Cf. Grot, Crypt.] A natural covered opening in the earth; a cave; also, an artificial recess, cave, or cavernlike apartment.