noun

iconostasis

eye-kuh-NOS-tuh-sis

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Iconostasis (noun) means a screen covered in icons that separates the sanctuary from the nave in an Eastern Orthodox church. Example: “Gold-framed icons lined the iconostasis at the front of the church.”

noun

A screen covered in icons that separates the sanctuary from the nave in an Eastern Orthodox church.

"Gold-framed icons lined the iconostasis at the front of the church."

"The priest passed through a door in the iconostasis to reach the altar."

"Visitors admired the painted iconostasis during the tour of the cathedral."

How to use iconostasis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn iconostasis is the icon-covered screen at the front of an Orthodox church.

When to use it

It is a specialist term used in discussions of Eastern Orthodox church architecture and worship.

Memory tip

Break it into eye-kuh-NOS-tuh-sis and remember the stress sits on the third syllable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

gilded iconostasis doors of the iconostasis icons on the iconostasis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Gold-framed icons lined the _____ at the front of the church.

Etymology

The word comes from Medieval Greek, where it was formed from eikon, meaning icon, and stasis, meaning a fixture or standing structure. Together they describe a fixed stand or wall for holding icons.

Origin: Medieval Greek

Rhymes for iconostasis

basis oasis stasis emphasis psoriasis metastasis homeostasis candidiasis

See all rhymes for iconostasis →

Frequently asked questions

What does iconostasis mean?

An iconostasis is a wall or screen of icons found in Eastern Orthodox churches, separating the sanctuary from the main body of the church.

Where is an iconostasis found?

It stands between the sanctuary and the nave in Eastern Orthodox churches.

What is the plural of iconostasis?

The plural can be either iconostases or iconostaseis.

What is the meaning of iconostasis?

"iconostasis" (noun) means a screen covered in icons that separates the sanctuary from the nave in an Eastern Orthodox church.