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1 synonym for apse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The rounded end of a church, usually at the east end, where the altar stands.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
apsis
How to use apse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rounded apse
apse of the church
semicircular apse
This is a specialist architectural term, mostly found in writing about church buildings and design.
Etymology
The word traces back to Latin apsis, itself from Ancient Greek hapsís, meaning an arch or vault, which came from a verb meaning to bind or join.
Full origin of apse →Frequently asked questions
What is an apse in a church?
It is the rounded end of the building, typically at the east end, where the altar is placed.
Can a building other than a church have an apse?
Yes, any rounded, semicircular projection on a building can be called an apse if it is shaped like the one found in a church.
How do you pronounce apse?
It is pronounced the same as the word apps, as a single syllable rhyming with caps.
