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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.
Astronomy. an apsis.
Origin of apse
1Other words from apse
- ap·si·dal [ap-si-dl], /ˈæp sɪ dl/, adjective
- ap·si·dal·ly, adverb
Words Nearby apse
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use apse in a sentence
The nave and porch were floored with plain red tesserae: in the apse was a simple mosaic panel in red, black and white.
The archway of the south transept apse is now the entrance to St. Catherine's Chapel.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle | C. King EleyHe 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.
Coming Home | Edith WhartonThe Ducal Palace begins to show mouldings on both sides, 28, 31; and 35 is a complete arch moulding from the apse of the Frari.
The Stones of Venice, Volume III (of 3) | John RuskinThe apse was developed from the somewhat similar part of the Roman basilic, in which the magistrate (prtor) sat.
British Dictionary definitions for apse
/ (æps) /
Also called: apsis a domed or vaulted semicircular or polygonal recess, esp at the east end of a church
astronomy another name for apsis (def. 1)
Origin of apse
1Derived forms of apse
- apsidal (æpˈsaɪdəl, ˈæpsɪdəl), adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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