rāqīʿa רָקִיעַ ‘expanse’ (Hebrew)

Etymology^?: from rāqaʿ רָקַע ‘to beat’
Roots: רקע

rāqīʿa n, m
1) extended surface (solid), expanse, firmament
 1a) expanse (flat as base, support)
 1b) firmament (of vault of heaven supporting waters above)
  1b1) considered by Hebrews as solid and supporting 'waters' above