narthex

[ nahr-theks ]
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nounArchitecture.
  1. an enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of a church.

Origin of narthex

1
1665–75; <Late Greek nárthēx,Greek: giant fennel

Other words from narthex

  • nar·the·cal [nahr-thee-kuhl], /nɑrˈθi kəl/, adjective

Words Nearby narthex

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How to use narthex in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for narthex

narthex

/ (ˈnɑːθɛks) /


noun
  1. a portico at the west end of a basilica or church, esp one that is at right angles to the nave

  2. a rectangular entrance hall between the porch and nave of a church

Origin of narthex

1
C17: via Latin from Medieval Greek: enclosed porch, enclosure (earlier: box), from Greek narthēx giant fennel, the stems of which were used to make boxes

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