vesica

American  

[vuh-sahy-kuh, -see-kuh, ves-i-kuh] / vəˈsaɪ kə, -ˈsi kə, ˈvɛs ɪ kə /

noun

plural

vesicae

1. Anatomy. a bladder.

2. vesica piscis.

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vesica British  

/ ˈvɛsɪkə /

noun

1. anatomy a technical name for bladder

2. (in medieval sculpture and painting) an aureole in the shape of a pointed oval

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Etymology

Origin of vesica

First recorded in 1675–85, vesica is from the Latin word vēsīca

Example Sentences

Thus the following solution that I give to our puzzle involves the pointed "oval," known among architects as the "vesica piscis."

From Amusements in Mathematics by Dudeney, Henry Ernest

The north door at Ely, the whole of the surrounding stone-work of which is elaborately carved, is surmounted by the figure of the Lord enthroned within a vesica, while adoring angels kneel before Him.

From Ecclesiastical Curiosities by Various

Above are half-lengths of the Madonna and Child in a vesica starred with cherubs; on the right, SS.

From The Shores of the Adriatic The Austrian Side, The Küstenlande, Istria, and Dalmatia by Jackson, F. Hamilton (Frederick Hamilton)

Above the western window is a vesica, set within a bevilled fringe of bay-leaves arranged zigzagwise, with their points in contact.

From Scottish Cathedrals and Abbeys by Butler, Dugald

Above these, on either side of a great vesica enclosing a representation of our Lord, are two shrines, one marked “Relics,” the other, which stands on the side of greater honour, is marked Scs.

From The Christian Church in These Islands before the Coming of Augustine Three Lectures Delivered at St. Paul's in January 1894 by Browne, G. F. (George Forrest)