apse

IPA: ˈæps

(architecture) A semicircular projection from a building, especially the rounded east end of a church that contains the altar.
The bishop's seat or throne in ancient churches.
A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were kept.
(obsolete or dialectal) An aspen tree.
(astronomy, obsolete) Obsolete form of apsis.; The nearest and furthest points to the centre of gravitational attraction for a body in orbit. More usually called an apsis. [(architecture) A recess or projection, with a dome or vault, at the east end of a church; an apse.]

Examples of "apse" in Sentences

Bema with the Ascension; in the apse is the Virgin above, the Divine
Preceding the apse was a bema, or altar podium, measuring 5.63 meters.
In the apse is the chapel of Saint Théofrède; with sculptured stone roof.
The term apse was first used in reference to a Roman basilica, of which it was a characteristic feature.
The nave and porch were floored with plain red tesserae: in the apse was a simple mosaic panel in red, black and white.
At the foot of Mt. Besset, near the Durolle, is the church of St. Moutiers, of the 11th cent., excepting the square apse, which is of the 7th.
The central apse is rectangular and heavy, the little southern apse is short and round, and that of the north is tall and thin as a pepper-box.
The parapet of open work which runs round the summit of the apse is another beautiful feature of the exterior of the eastern part of the church.
From the apse, which is semicircular, radiate at a lower level five semicircular chapels, their roofs terminating in a cornice of tiny stone interlaced arches.
The change effected in the apse was the most noticeable; not only were the two upper tiers of Norman windows replaced by Decorated ones of larger size, but the three lowest ones in the centre were altogether removed, and their place taken by lofty archways, when the new building was built.