narthex
nar·thex
noun \ˈnär-ˌtheks\Definition of NARTHEX
1
: the portico of an ancient church
2
: a vestibule leading to the nave of a church
Origin of NARTHEX
Late Greek narthēx, from Greek, giant fennel, cane, casket
First Known Use: circa 1673
Rhymes with NARTHEX
narthex
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Long, narrow porch, usually colonnaded or arcaded, crossing the entire width of a church at its entrance. The narthex is usually separated from the nave by columns or a pierced wall. In Byzantine churches the space is divided into two parts: An exonarthex forms the outer entrance to the building and bounds the esonarthex, which opens onto the nave.
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