Apsis

3 definitions found

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) 2.0 [wn]:

  apsis
       n : a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building
           especially the east end of a church; usually contains the
           altar [syn: {apse}]
       [also: {apsides} (pl)]