narthex
[nahr-theks]
- an enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of a church.
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Origin of narthex
1665–75; < Late Greek nárthēx, Greek: giant fennel
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for narthex
Historical Examples
The narthex is divided into three bays, separated by heavy arches.
Byzantine Churches in ConstantinopleAlexander Van Millingen
The southern cella, with its narthex, has been entirely destroyed.
The Cradle of MankindW.A. Wigram
It is a basilica with two aisles and apse, narthex and atrium.
ConstantinopleWilliam Holden Hutton
The door of the narthex is inserted between the two columns.
ConstantinopleWilliam Holden Hutton
It is a triple church, separated by columns and all entered from the narthex.
ConstantinopleWilliam Holden Hutton
narthex
- a portico at the west end of a basilica or church, esp one that is at right angles to the nave
- a rectangular entrance hall between the porch and nave of a church
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Word Origin
C17: via Latin from Medieval Greek: enclosed porch, enclosure (earlier: box), from Greek narthēx giant fennel, the stems of which were used to make boxes
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for narthex
n.
"porch at the west end of early churches" (used by penitents not admitted to the body of the church), 1670s, from Late Greek narthex, in classical Greek "giant fennel," of unknown origin. The architectural feature allegedly so called from fancied resemblance of porch to a hollow stem. The word also was used in Greek to mean "a small case for unguents, etc." According to Hesiod ("Theogeny"), Prometheus conveyed fire from Heaven to Earth in hollow fennel stalks. Related: Narthecal.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper