Langimage
English

absis

|ab-sis|

C1

/ˈæb.sɪs/

semicircular recess

Etymology
Etymology Information

'absis' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'absis,' where 'ab-' meant 'from' and 'sistere' meant 'to stand.'

Historical Evolution

'absis' changed from the Latin word 'absis' and eventually became the modern English word 'absis'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a semicircular or polygonal recess,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an architectural term referring to a semicircular or polygonal termination or recess in a building, typically at the east end of a church.

The church's absis was beautifully decorated with frescoes.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/07 14:06