noun
- plural of apse; semicircular or polygonal recesses, typically at the east end of a church containing the altar
Usage: architecture
Examples
- The cathedral featured three apses behind the main altar.
- Byzantine churches often had multiple apses for different liturgical purposes.
- The architect designed the apses to maximize natural light from the east.
- Medieval apses were frequently decorated with elaborate mosaics.
- The restoration project focused on repairing the damaged apses.
- Romanesque churches typically had rounded apses rather than square ones.