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cella

[sel-uh]
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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.
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Origin of cella

1670–80; < Latin: storeroom, shrine, akin to cēlāre to hide; see conceal
Also called naos.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for cella

Historical Examples

  • Cella, the principal, often the only, apartment of a Greek or Roman temple.

    Architecture

    Thomas Roger Smith

  • In the cella, and also in the chamber behind, there were columns.

    Architecture

    Thomas Roger Smith

  • The exterior of the building, including these columns, was about twice the width of the cella.

    Architecture

    Thomas Roger Smith

  • Inside were three small rooms, entered by separate doors from the cella.

  • Both the portico and the cella no doubt had a coffered ceiling.

British Dictionary definitions for cella

cella

noun plural -lae (-liː)
  1. the inner room of a classical temple, esp the room housing the statue of a deityAlso called: naos
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Word Origin

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