bema

be·ma  (bm)

n. pl. be·ma·ta (-m-t)

1. Judaism The platform from which services are conducted in a synagogue. Also called almemar.

2. Eastern Orthodox Church The area of a church in which the altar is located; the sanctuary.

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[Ultimately from Greek bma, step, platform; see g^w- in Indo-European roots.]

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bema, bimah, bima [ˈbiːmə]

n

1. (Historical Terms) the speaker's platform in the assembly in ancient Athens

2. (Christianity / Eastern Church (Greek & Russian Orthodox)) Christian Orthodox Church a raised area surrounding the altar in a church; the sanctuary

3. (Non-Christian Religions / Judaism) Judaism another word for almemar

[via Late Latin, from Greek bēma, from bainein to go]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

bema - area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing chancel, sanctuary area - a part of a structure having some specific characteristic or function; "the spacious cooking area provided plenty of room for servants" choir - the area occupied by singers; the part of the chancel between sanctuary and nave church building, church - a place for public (especially Christian) worship; "the church was empty"