iconostasis

American  

[ahy-kuh-nos-tuh-sis] / ˌaɪ kəˈnɒs tə sɪs /

Also iconostas

noun

Eastern Church.

• iconostases
  plural

1. a partition or screen on which icons are placed, separating the sanctuary from the main part of the church.

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iconostasis British  

/ ˌaɪkəʊˈnɒstəsɪs /

noun

1. Eastern Churches a screen with doors and icons set in tiers, which separates the bema (sanctuary) from the nave

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• iconostases
  plural

Etymology

Origin of iconostasis

From Medieval Greek, dating back to 1825–35; see origin at icono-, stasis

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

iconostasis iconostases

These include an "elaborate" baldacchino, a metal canopy over the altar, and an iconostasis.

From BBC ● May 10, 2023

The artifacts originally stood in the central gateway of the iconostasis — the ornately decorated screen that separates the sanctuary from the rest of an Orthodox church — of Saint Anastasios in Peristeronopigi village.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 16, 2021

The front of the church is lined with an iconostasis, or an icon screen, where important icons have been placed through the years.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 14, 2018

That was when the monastery’s original iconostasis was destroyed, its cathedral, like so many others in Russia, turned into a warehouse.

From New York Times ● Aug. 31, 2012

Her bloodshot eyes gazed upwards, without moving, on the holy figures displayed upon the iconostasis.

From Liza "A nest of nobles" by William Ralston Shedden Ralston

The temple nave is crammed with religious objects, iconostases and icons, sacred portraits of solid gold with only the hands and faces coloured.

From From Pole to Pole A Book for Young People by Sven Anders Hedin