From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Apse \Apse\ ([a^]ps), n.; pl. Apses ([a^]p"s[e^]z). [See
{Apsis}.]
1. (Arch.)
(a) A projecting part of a building, esp. of a church,
having in the plan a polygonal or semicircular
termination, and, most often, projecting from the east
end. In early churches the Eastern apse was occupied
by seats for the bishop and clergy. Hence:
(b) The bishop's seat or throne, in ancient churches.
[1913 Webster]
2. A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were
kept.
[1913 Webster]
Note: This word is also written {apsis} and {absis}.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Apsis \Ap"sis\ ([a^]p"s[i^]s), n.; pl. {Apsides}
([a^]p"s[i^]*d[=e]z). See {Apse}. [L. apsis, absis, Gr.
"apsi`s, "apsi^dos, a tying, fastening, the hoop of a wheel,
the wheel, a bow, arch, vault, fr. "a`ptein to fasten.]
1. (Astron.) One of the two points of an orbit, as of a
planet or satellite, which are at the greatest and least
distance from the central body, corresponding to the
aphelion and perihelion of a planet, or to the apogee and
perigee of the moon. The more distant is called the higher
apsis; the other, the lower apsis; and the line joining
them, the line of apsides.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Math.) In a curve referred to polar co["o]rdinates, any
point for which the radius vector is a maximum or minimum.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Arch.) Same as {Apse}.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
apsis
n 1: a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building
especially the east end of a church; usually contains the
altar [syn: {apse}, {apsis}]
From Dutch-English Freedict Dictionary ver. 0.1.3 [fd-nld-eng]:
apsis /ɑpsis/
apsis
|
