sacellum

noun

sa·​cel·​lum

səˈkeləm,

səˈse-

plural sacella

-lə

1

: a small monumental chapel in a church

2

: an unroofed space in an ancient Roman building consecrated to a divinity

Word History

Etymology

Latin, pagan Roman sacellum, diminutive of sacrum sanctuary, sacred object, from neuter of sacer sacred

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!