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Glite Dictionary
apsis

apsis

9.9
A curved, domed area usually at the east end of a church where the altar stands
  • noun
  • /ˈæpsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ápside
  • The altar was positioned in the apsis, directly beneath the ornate stained-glass window.

Examples

  • Many cathedrals feature a grand apsis at the rear.

  • The cathedral's apsis is one of the most beautifully constructed parts of the building.

  • During the restoration, artisans carefully cleaned the mosaics decorating the ancient apsis.

  • The church's apsis was beautifully decorated.

  • The altar was positioned in the apsis, directly beneath the ornate stained-glass window.

  • During the restoration, artisans carefully cleaned the mosaics decorating the ancient apsis.

  • The cathedral's apsis is one of the most beautifully constructed parts of the building.

Synonyms

tribune
vsapsis
  • Specialized
7 9.9

A half-round area at the front of a church where the bishop sits

is mainly for housing the altar rather than the bishop's throne
apse
vsapsis
  • Specialized
2 9.4

A curved area at the end of a church that often holds the altar

is the same term but given in an alternative form of the name

How Large

sanctuary
55 5.5
apsis
  • Specialized
9.9
alcove
22 5.3
niche
11 6.7

Surface Forms

apsis singular
apsides plural

Etymology

Apsis comes from the Greek word apsis, meaning 'arch' or 'vault', so it suggests a curved or domed space; think of an arch or a rounded end of a building. So an apsis is the curved, often domed recess at the end of a church where the altar is placed.