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ciborium

ciborium

9.9
An ornamental canopy over an altar supported by columns
  • noun
  • /sɪˈbɔːriəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ciborio
  • The ciborium is beautiful.

Examples

  • Visitors admired the marble columns supporting the ciborium in the ancient basilica.

  • The ornate ciborium above the altar was decorated with gold leaf and intricate carvings.

  • During the ceremony, the priest stood beneath the ciborium to address the congregation.

  • Wow! Look at that ciborium!

  • The ciborium above the altar was adorned with intricate carvings and gold detailing.

  • During the service, the priest placed the consecrated bread inside the ornate ciborium.

  • The church's ciborium was a beautiful centerpiece, supported by elegant columns.

How Ornate

baldachin
  • Specialized
9.9
ciborium
  • Specialized
9.9
canopy
64 4.1

Surface Forms

ciborium singular
ciboriums plural
ciboria plural

Etymology

The word ciborium comes from an old Greek and Latin word kibōrion that meant 'cup' or 'small container'. Churches called the canopy over the altar a ciborium because it looks like a large 'cup' or cover above the altar, so the origin helps explain its shape.