Apse

/æps/
noun

The rounded end of a church, often where the altar is.

The apse of the church had beautiful stained glass windows.
Visual representation of "apse" - The rounded end of a church, often where the altar is.

Often appears as...

  • rounded apse
  • church's apse
noun

A projection from a building, especially a rounded one.

The apse of the museum provided space for a new exhibit.
Visual representation of "apse" - A projection from a building, especially a rounded one.

Often appears as...

  • building's apse
  • apse projection

Usage tips

Academic

noun

In astronomy, the point in the orbit of a planet or moon where it is furthest or closest to its host body.

At apogee, the moon's apse is at its furthest point from Earth.
Visual representation of "apse" - In astronomy, the point in the orbit of a planet or moon where it is furthest or closest to its host body.

Often appears as...

  • closest apse
  • furthest apse

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

noun

The rounded end of a church, often where the altar is.

The apse of the church had beautiful stained glass windows.
Visual representation of "apse" - The rounded end of a church, often where the altar is.

Often appears as...

  • rounded apse
  • church's apse
noun

A projection from a building, especially a rounded one.

The apse of the museum provided space for a new exhibit.
Visual representation of "apse" - A projection from a building, especially a rounded one.

Often appears as...

  • building's apse
  • apse projection

Usage tips

Academic

noun

In astronomy, the point in the orbit of a planet or moon where it is furthest or closest to its host body.

At apogee, the moon's apse is at its furthest point from Earth.
Visual representation of "apse" - In astronomy, the point in the orbit of a planet or moon where it is furthest or closest to its host body.

Often appears as...

  • closest apse
  • furthest apse

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "apse"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Church Architecture

The term apse is specific to church buildings and is a key element in their architecture.

Illustration for Church Architecture
I sat silently admiring the church's apse, with its intricate designs and artwork.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Always Rounded

While commonly rounded, apses can be polygonal or flat-ended in some churches.

Illustration for Not Always Rounded
The cathedral's flat-ended apse was an unusual feature, different from the typical rounded ones.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Church Architecture

The term apse is specific to church buildings and is a key element in their architecture.

Illustration for Church Architecture
I sat silently admiring the church's apse, with its intricate designs and artwork.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Always Rounded

While commonly rounded, apses can be polygonal or flat-ended in some churches.

Illustration for Not Always Rounded
The cathedral's flat-ended apse was an unusual feature, different from the typical rounded ones.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Church Architecture

The term apse is specific to church buildings and is a key element in their architecture.

Illustration for Church Architecture
I sat silently admiring the church's apse, with its intricate designs and artwork.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Always Rounded

While commonly rounded, apses can be polygonal or flat-ended in some churches.

Illustration for Not Always Rounded
The cathedral's flat-ended apse was an unusual feature, different from the typical rounded ones.
Visual representation of the word "Apse"

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