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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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use apse in a sentence
Passing round the south face of the transept, we come to the apsidal chapel attached to its eastern wall.
Bell's Cathedrals: A Short Account of Romsey Abbey | Thomas PerkinsOpposite to this is one of the two apsidal chantries, which in its time has served various purposes.
Bell's Cathedrals: A Short Account of Romsey Abbey | Thomas PerkinsTraces of some external means of access to this apsidal chamber from below may be seen at the west side.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon | Cecil Walter Charles HallettIt will be noticed that at the south-east corner there is no apsidal chamber to correspond to that in the storey above.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon | Cecil Walter Charles HallettEast of the above window a square-headed doorway opens into the apsidal chamber enclosed by the corner buttress.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon | Cecil Walter Charles Hallett
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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