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[ aps ]

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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/ æps; ˈæpsɪdəl; æpˈsaɪdəl /

noun

1. Also calledapsis a domed or vaulted semicircular or polygonal recess, esp at the east end of a church
2. astronomy another name for apsis

Derived Forms

• apsidal, adjective

Other Words From

• ap·si·dal [ap, -si-dl], adjective
• apsi·dal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of apse¹

First recorded in 1815–25; variant of apsis

Word History and Origins

Origin of apse¹

C19: from Latin apsis, from Greek: a fitting together, arch, from haptein to fasten

Example Sentences

The nave and porch were floored with plain red tesserae: in the apse was a simple mosaic panel in red, black and white.

From Project Gutenberg

The archway of the south transept apse is now the entrance to St. Catherine's Chapel.

From Project Gutenberg

He walked across to the grave-yard under a blackened wall—a bit of the apse of the vanished church—and sat down on a grave-stone.

From Project Gutenberg

The Ducal Palace begins to show mouldings on both sides, 28, 31; and 35 is a complete arch moulding from the apse of the Frari.

From Project Gutenberg

The apse was developed from the somewhat similar part of the Roman basilic, in which the magistrate (prtor) sat.

From Project Gutenberg