arena

n.; pl. E. Arenas L. Arenæ [ L. arena, harena, sand, a sandy place. ] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) The area in the central part of an amphitheater, in which the gladiators fought and other shows were exhibited; -- so called because it was covered with sand. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any place of public contest or exertion; any sphere of action; as, the arenaof debate; the arena of life. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Med.) “Sand” or “gravel” in the kidneys. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. arenaceus, fr. arena sand. ] Sandy or consisting largely of sand; of the nature of sand; easily disintegrating into sand; friable; as, arenaceous limestone. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. arenarius, fr. arena sand. ] Sandy; as, arenarious soil. [ 1913 Webster ]