area Copy link Outline I. An open space, esp. around or attached to a buildingII. In geom. superficial content1. ārĕa2. sŭperfĭcĭes, ēi, f. • area: I. An open space, esp. around or attached to a building: ārea (prop. a clear space within a city suitable for building on, but also used of any open space before, behind, or in the middle of a mansion): to occupy and build upon open areas, vacuas a. occupare et aedificare, Suet.: Cic.: we sat in the a. of the house (for security in apprehension of an earthquake), resedimus in a. domus, Plin. ep.: an a. on either side of the house, a. ab utraque parte aedium, Dig. II. In geom. superficial content: 1. ārĕa: Gell. 2. sŭperfĭcĭes, ēi, f.: Plin.