apsis
Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- noun An apse.
- noun The point of greatest or least distance of the orbit of a celestial body from the center of mass of the system.
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun In astronomy, a point in the eccentric orbit of a planet in which it is either furthest from or nearest to the body about which it revolves.
- noun A reliquary or case in which the relics of saints are kept, especially one of a form imitating the curves of a dome or vault.
Examples
-
In the apsis was a mosaic which represented the Blessed Trinity, and of which in 1512 some remnants were still found.
-
The presbytery was also known as apsis, exedra, concha, designations referring to its form; bema from the fact that it was elevated above the level of the nave and in consequence reached by a stairway of a few steps; tribuna because of its location and general resemblance to the tribunal in civil basilicas whence the magistrates administered justice.
-
This original church was modelled after the ancient Basilica, or hall of justice or of commerce: at one end was an elevated tribunal, and back of this what was called the "apsis," -- a rounded space with arched roof.
-
It is variously designated apsis or concha (from the shell-like, hemispherical dome), and since the Middle Ages especially it has been called "choir", from the choir of singers who are here stationed.
-
On the left-hand the rounded apsis of the Gesu church looked quite golden in the morning brightness.
-
The nave is divided into five aisles, and the main one, opening into the apsis, is spanned by a lofty arch supported by two colossal columns.
Note
The word 'apsis' comes from a Greek root meaning 'a tying, fastening, the hoop of a wheel, the wheel, a bow, arch, vault' from a root meaning 'to fasten'.
