narthex

nar·thex  (närthks)

n.

1. A portico or lobby of an early Christian or Byzantine church or basilica, originally separated from the nave by a railing or screen.

2. An entrance hall leading to the nave of a church.

---

[Late Greek narthx, from Greek, box, giant fennel, perhaps of Indic origin.]

---

narthex [ˈnɑːθɛks]

n

1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a portico at the west end of a basilica or church, esp one that is at right angles to the nave

2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a rectangular entrance hall between the porch and nave of a church

[via Latin from Medieval Greek: enclosed porch, enclosure (earlier: box), from Greek narthēx giant fennel, the stems of which were used to make boxes]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	narthex - portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or church basilica - an early Christian church designed like a Roman basilica; or a Roman Catholic church or cathedral accorded certain privileges; "the church was raised to the rank of basilica" portico - a porch or entrance to a building consisting of a covered and often columned area
	2.	narthex - a vestibule leading to the nave of a church antechamber, anteroom, entrance hall, foyer, lobby, vestibule, hall - a large entrance or reception room or area church building, church - a place for public (especially Christian) worship; "the church was empty"