narthex
[ nahr-theks ]
/ ˈnɑr θɛks /
noun Architecture.
an enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of a church.
Nearby words
narrowcast, narrowly, narrows, narrows, the, narthecal, narthex, narva, narvik, narváez, narváez, pánfilo de, narwhal
Origin of narthex
1665–75; < Late Greek nárthēx, Greek: giant fennel
Related formsnar·the·cal [nahr-thee-kuh l] /nɑrˈθi kəl/, adjective
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for narthex
British Dictionary definitions for narthex
narthex
/ (ˈnɑːθɛks) /
noun
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
Word Origin for narthex
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
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Word Origin and History for narthex
narthex
"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.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper