cella

[ sel-uh ]

noun,plural cel·lae [sel-ee]. /ˈsɛl i/. Architecture.
  1. the principal enclosed chamber of a classical temple.

  2. the entire central structure of a classical temple.

Origin of cella

1
1670–80; <Latin: storeroom, shrine, akin to cēlāre to hide; see conceal

Words Nearby cella

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cella in a sentence

  • The walls were decorated with the rarest paintings, and the cella itself contained countless treasures.

  • 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) /


nounplural -lae (-liː)
  1. the inner room of a classical temple, esp the room housing the statue of a deity: Also called: naos

Origin of cella

1
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