cella

American  

[sel-uh] / ˈsɛl ə /

noun

Architecture.

plural

cellae

1. the principal enclosed chamber of a classical temple.

2. the entire central structure of a classical temple.

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cella British  

/ ˈsɛlə /

noun

1. Also called: naos.  the inner room of a classical temple, esp the room housing the statue of a deity

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Etymology

Origin of cella

1670–80; < Latin: storeroom, shrine, akin to cēlāre to hide; see conceal

Example Sentences

Enough old stones exist to rebuild much of the wall of the Parthenon's rectangular interior chamber, or cella.

From Time Magazine Archive

The eastern door of the Erechtheum was not the normal, not the intended entrance to the cella of Athena, but served as the traditional eastern entrance toward which the xoanon faced.

From Problems in Periclean Buildings by Elderkin, G. W. (George Wicker)

The abandoned church of S. Mark, just outside the modern town, is built into the cella of an ancient Greek temple, which measures 62 ft. by 18.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 8 "Haller, Albrecht" to "Harmonium" by Various

The building was also given 94 a vaulted roof, which covered the cella alone.

From A Catalogue of Sculpture in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, Volume I (of 2) by Smith, A. H.

The cella had a ceiling of painted wood.

From The Near East Dalmatia, Greece and Constantinople by Hichens, Robert (Robert Smythe)