naos

American  

[ney-os] / ˈneɪ ɒs /

noun

plural

naoi

1. a temple.

2. Architecture. cella.

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naos British  

/ ˈneɪɒs /

noun

1. rare an ancient classical temple

2. architect another name for cella

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Etymology

Origin of naos

First recorded in 1765–75, naos is from the Greek word nāós dwelling of a god, inner part of a temple, shrine

Example Sentences

Team historians were particularly intrigued by black granite pieces from a Menouthis naos, or shrine, on which hieroglyphics revealed the roots of classical astrology.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the centre of the vessel arose a flat-roofed cabin—a sort of naos, or tent of honor—colored and gilded, ornamented with palm-leaf mouldings, and lighted by four little square windows.

From One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances One of Cleopatra's Nights?Clarimonde?Arria Marcella?The Mummy's Foot?Omphale: a Rococo Story?King Candaules by Gautier, Th?ophile

CELLA, in architecture, the Latin name for the sanctuary of a Roman temple, corresponding with the naos of the Greek temple.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various

Hence the cella or naos is the central feature of the building.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 4 "Grasshopper" to "Greek Language" by Various

They led their visitors through the pronaos and naos to the secos, to the holy of holies.

From The Tour A Story of Ancient Egypt by Couperus, Louis