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[ aps ]

noun

1. Architecture. a semicircular or polygonal termination or recess in a building, usually vaulted and used especially at the end of a choir in a church.
2. Astronomy. an apsis.

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/ æps; ˈæpsɪdəl; æpˈsaɪdəl /

noun

1. Also calledapsis a domed or vaulted semicircular or polygonal recess, esp at the east end of a church
2. astronomy another name for apsis

Derived Forms

• apsidal, adjective

Other Words From

• ap·si·dal [ap, -si-dl], adjective
• apsi·dal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of apse¹

First recorded in 1815–25; variant of apsis

Word History and Origins

Origin of apse¹

C19: from Latin apsis, from Greek: a fitting together, arch, from haptein to fasten