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

The vesica is bordered with a double dotted line, containing the salutation: "Ave: Maria: gracia: plena: Dñs: tecum: benedicta."

From Bell's Cathedrals: Southwark Cathedral Formerly the Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, Otherwise St. Mary Overie. A Short History and Description of the Fabric, with Some Account of the College and the See by Worley, George

The pointed oval, or vesica, is the conventionalized form of the fish.

From The Worship of the Church and The Beauty of Holiness by Regester, J. A. (Jacob Asbury)

The living group, moreover, are placed in an archway, delta, or door, which is symbolic of the female, like the vesica piscis, the oval or the circle.

From Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism With an Essay on Baal Worship, On The Assyrian Sacred "Grove," And Other by Inman, Thomas

The space between the circumference and the vesica is occupied on each side by two angels, with expanded wings, those above issuing from waves, those below kneeling.

From Bell's Cathedrals: Southwark Cathedral Formerly the Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, Otherwise St. Mary Overie. A Short History and Description of the Fabric, with Some Account of the College and the See by Worley, George

In modern Christian art this symbol is called vesica piscis, and is sometimes surrounded with rays.

From Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism With an Essay on Baal Worship, On The Assyrian Sacred "Grove," And Other by Inman, Thomas