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Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a semicircular or polygonal recess in a building, especially the vaulted eastern end of a church behind the altar

   A mosaic filled the curved ceiling of the apse.

2. 2
   noun

   a similar projecting or recessed semicircular part of a secular building

   The library's reading room occupied an apse overlooking the garden.

From Latin apsis, through Greek hapsis, 'arch, vault, or rounded structure,' from haptein, 'to fasten or join.' Christian architecture applied the term to the rounded recess containing or standing behind the altar.

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External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary