cella

[ sel-uh ]

/ ˈsɛl ə /

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noun, plural cel·lae

[sel-ee]. /ˈsɛl i/. Architecture.

the principal enclosed chamber of a classical temple.

the entire central structure of a classical temple.

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Also called naos.

Origin of cella

1670–80; <Latin: storeroom, shrine, akin to cēlāre to hide; see conceal

Words nearby cella

celibate, Céline, celioscope, celiotomy, cell, cella, cellar, cellarage, cellar dwellers, cellarer, cellaret

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cella in a sentence

The walls were decorated with the rarest paintings, and the cella itself contained countless treasures.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
The structure remained nearly square, being equally divided between the portico and the cella.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
In some instances rows of columns were ranged upon the two long sides of a cella; but the rear wall was always bare.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
That variety of a temple plan which has two ranges of columns entirely surrounding the cella.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber

Terminations similar to pilasters upon the ends of the lateral walls of the cella, in pronaos and epinaos.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber

British Dictionary definitions for cella

cella

/ (ˈsɛlə) /

noun plural -lae (-liː)

the inner room of a classical temple, esp the room housing the statue of a deityAlso called: naos

Word Origin for cella

C17: from Latin: room, shrine; see cell 1

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