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American  

[aps] / æps /

noun

1. Architecture. a semicircular or polygonal termination or recess in a building, usually vaulted and used especially at the end of a choir in a church.

2. Astronomy. an apsis.

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apse British  

/ æps, ˈæpsɪdəl, æpˈsaɪdəl /

noun

1. Also called: apsis.  a domed or vaulted semicircular or polygonal recess, esp at the east end of a church

2. astronomy another name for apsis

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Other Word Forms

• apsidal
  adjective
• apsidally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of apse

First recorded in 1815–25; variant of apsis

Explanation

In architecture, an apse is a curved or rounded section at one end of a building. You'll most often find an apse in a church. In Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine Christian churches, it's very common to find a semicircular area with a vaulted ceiling, often topped by a dome, on the east side of the building. This is generally where the altar is located, making the apse the most important section of the building. The word comes from the Latin apsis, "arch or vault," and the Greek root hapsis, "arch or loop."

Example Sentences

I can hardly credit the tale, unless it might have been Mr. Alfred Apse, whom the family didn't think much of.

From A Set of Six by Conrad, Joseph

Inscribed String-course on Apse of the Parecclesion 157 50.

From Byzantine Churches in Constantinople Their History and Architecture by Van Millingen, Alexander

To me who had known no ship but the Apse Family, the Lucy was like a sort of magic craft that did what you wanted her to do of her own accord.

From A Set of Six by Conrad, Joseph

Anything to save the good name of the Apse Family.'

From A Set of Six by Conrad, Joseph

Surely you've heard of the great firm of Apse & Sons, shipowners.

From A Set of Six by Conrad, Joseph