basilica

/bəˈsɪlɪkə/

basilica

English Noun Top 35,362

Definition

A Christian church building having a nave with a semicircular apse, side aisles, a narthex and a clerestory.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin basilica, from Ancient Greek βᾰσῐλῐκή (băsĭlĭkḗ), from βᾰσῐλῐκὴ στοά (băsĭlĭkḕ stoá, “royal hall”), ultimately from βασιλικός (basilikós, “royal”), from βασιλεύς (basileús, “king, chief”). Doublet of basoche.