Word Study
narthex
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun narthex has 2 senses
- narthex(n = noun.artifact) - portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or church; is a part of basilica
- narthex(n = noun.artifact) - a vestibule leading to the nave of a church; is a kind of antechamber, anteroom, entrance hall, foyer, hall, lobby, vestibule
is a kind of portico
is a part of church, church building
CIDE DICTIONARY
narthex, n. [L., giant fennel, Gr. na`rqhx.].
- The portico in front of ancient churches; sometimes, the atrium or outer court surrounded by ambulatories; -- used, generally, for any vestibule, lobby, or outer porch, leading to the nave of a church. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
narthex, n.
1 a railed-off antechamber or porch etc. at the western entrance of some early Christian churches, used by catechumens, penitents, etc.
2 a similar antechamber in a modern church.
1 a railed-off antechamber or porch etc. at the western entrance of some early Christian churches, used by catechumens, penitents, etc.
2 a similar antechamber in a modern church.
Etymology
L f. Gk narthex giant fennel, stick, casket, narthex
For further exploring for "narthex" in Webster Dictionary Online
