narthex
pronunciation
How to pronounce narthex in British English:
UK ['nɑ:ˌθeks]
How to pronounce narthex in American English:
US ['nɑˌθeks]
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- Noun:
- portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or church
- a vestibule leading to the nave of a church
Word Origin
- narthex (n.)
- "porch at the west end of early churches" (used by penitents not admitted to the body of the church), 1670s, from Late Greek narthex, in classical Greek "giant fennel," of unknown origin. The architectural feature allegedly so called from fancied resemblance of porch to a hollow stem. The word also was used in Greek to mean "a small case for unguents, etc." According to Hesiod ("Theogeny"), Prometheus conveyed fire from Heaven to Earth in hollow fennel stalks. Related: Narthecal.
Example
- 1. The central part of a church , extending from the narthex to the chancel and flanked by aisles .