MEANING
a projecting recess, often semicircular or polygonal, commonly at the end of a church
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Words that belong together
- semicircular apse
- vaulted apse
- eastern apse
On the page
A mosaic filled the curve of the apse.
The altar stood beneath the apse windows.
From outside, the apse projected beyond the main wall.
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- apse
Usage notes
Primary curation section: Architecture. Often houses the altar area, but an apse is an architectural shape rather than a synonym for altar. Plural: apses.
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