triforium

[ trahy-fawr-ee-uhm, -fohr- ]

noun

, Architecture.

, plural tri·fo·ri·a [trahy-, fawr, -ee-, uh, -, fohr, -].

1. (in a church) the wall at the side of the nave, choir, or transept, corresponding to the space between the vaulting or ceiling and the roof of an aisle, often having a blind arcade or an opening in a gallery.

triforium

/ traɪˈfɔːrɪəm /

noun

1. an arcade above the arches of the nave, choir, or transept of a church

Derived Forms

• triˈforial, adjective

Other Words From

• tri·fori·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of triforium¹

1695–1705; < Anglo-Latin, special use of Medieval Latin triforium kind of gallery, literally, something with three openings, equivalent to Latin tri- tri- + for ( is ) opening, door + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of triforium¹

C18: from Anglo-Latin, apparently from Latin tri- + foris a doorway; referring to the fact that each bay characteristically had three openings

Example Sentences

It is contained in two cases on each side of the triforium of the chancel and blown by an electric installation of 85 h.p.

From Project Gutenberg

The instrument occupied two special chambers on each side of the chancel, and a portion of the south chancel triforium.

From Project Gutenberg

The arch at the east end of the triforium on the south side, which opens out to the transept, is worthy of special notice.

From Project Gutenberg

The triforium (1140-50) has in each compartment a semi-circular arch entirely without ornament.

From Project Gutenberg

Against the wall between each arch is a semi-circular engaged shaft reaching to the base of the triforium.

From Project Gutenberg