bema

American  

[bee-muh] / ˈbi mə /

noun

• bemata,
  plural
• bemas
  plural

1. Eastern Church. the enclosed space surrounding the altar; the sanctuary or chancel.

2. (in a Christian basilica) an open space between the end of the nave arcade and the apse.

3. bimah.

4. a platform for public speaking.

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bema British  

/ ˈbiːmə /

noun

1. the speaker's platform in the assembly in ancient Athens

2. Eastern Orthodox Church a raised area surrounding the altar in a church; the sanctuary

3. Judaism another word for almemar

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• bemas
  plural
• bemata
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of bema

1675–85; < Greek bêma step, platform, equivalent to bē- (verbid stem of baínein to step, go; see come) + -ma (noun suffix denoting result of action)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bema

They were also omitted in small churches of a late date, where they were replaced by niches on either side of the bema.

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

The bema and the two lateral chapels have cross-groined vaults.

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

The two smaller compartments and apses at the sides of the bema were sacristies, the diaconicon and prothesis.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

The chamber in the north-eastern pier is lighted by a small opening looking southwards, and was reached by a door in the east side of the passage leading from the bema to the north-eastern chapel.

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

The niches in the bema only rise to a short distance above the floor, not, as on the opposite side, to above the cornice.

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

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