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Basilica

/bəˈsɪlɪkə/

A Christian church building having a nave with a semicircular apse, side aisles, a narthex and a clerestory.

📖 Definitions of "Basilica"

noun
  1. 1

    A Christian church building having a nave with a semicircular apse, side aisles, a narthex and a clerestory.

  2. 2

    A Roman Catholic church or cathedral with basilican status, a honorific status granted by the pope to recognize its historical, architectural, or sacramental importance.

  3. 3

    An apartment provided in the houses of persons of importance, where assemblies were held for dispensing justice; hence, any large hall used for this purpose.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Basilica"

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WordDefinition
churchnoun(countable, Christianity) A Christian house of worship; a building where Christian religious services take place.
aisledHaving aisles.
bodynounPhysical frame.
navenoun(architecture) The middle or body of a church, extending from the transepts to the principal entrances.
apsisnoun(astronomy) Either of the points in the elliptical orbit of a planet, comet, or moon where it is closest or furthest from the body it orbits; examples are perihelion, aphelion, perigee, and apogee
apse chapelnoun(architecture) A small chapel, radiating from the apse.
narthexnoun(architecture) A western vestibule leading to the nave in some Christian churches.
hall churchnounA church with a nave and aisles of approximately equal height, often united under a single immense roof.
apsidolenoun(architecture) A minor apse at the end of a side aisle in a church.
cathedralnounThe principal church serving as the office (and some as place of residence) of an archdiocese's/a diocese's archbishop/bishop which is symbolized by an episcopal throne known as the cathedra.
apsenoun(architecture) A semicircular projection from a building, especially the rounded east end of a church that contains the altar.
clerestorynoun(architecture) The upper part of a wall containing windows to let in natural light to a building, especially in the nave, transept and choir of a church or cathedral.
baptistrynoun(Christianity) A designated space within a church, or a separate room or building associated with a church, where a baptismal font is located, and consequently, where the sacrament of Christian baptism (via aspersion or affusion) is performed.
paradisenoun(figuratively) A very pleasant place, such as a place full of lush vegetation.
antetemplenoun(architecture) The portico or narthex in an ancient temple or church.
triforiumnoun(architecture) The gallery of arches above the side-aisle vaulting in the nave of a church.
slypenoun(architecture) A covered passageway, especially one connecting the transept of a cathedral or monastery to the chapter house.
rotundanoun(architecture) A round building, usually small, often with a dome.
stationnounA stopping place.
church doornounA door to a church, especially the front door (or double doors) that open directly to the narthex or nave, often ornate.

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