noun
apse
APS
Apse (noun) means the rounded end of a church, usually at the east end, where the altar stands. Example: “Light streamed into the apse through its tall windows.”
noun
1
The rounded end of a church, usually at the east end, where the altar stands.
"Light streamed into the apse through its tall windows."
"The choir stalls curved around the apse."
"Pilgrims gathered near the apse to view the shrine."
2
A rounded, semicircular projection on any building, modelled on a church apse.
"The library's reading room ends in a small apse."
"Architects added an apse-like bay to the dining hall."
"The museum's rotunda opens into a shallow apse."
How to use apse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe curved end section of a church, near the altar.
When to use it
This is a specialist architectural term, mostly found in writing about church buildings and design.
Memory tip
Apse is a homophone of apps, so listen for context rather than sound when you hear it spoken.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
apps
Common pairings
rounded apse
apse of the church
semicircular apse
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Light streamed into the _____ through its tall windows.
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.
Synonyms
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apsis
Rhymes for apse
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of apse?
"apse" (noun) means the rounded end of a church, usually at the east end, where the altar stands.
