Apsidal vs. Apse — What's the Difference?

Of or relating to an apse.

In architecture, an apse (plural apses; from Latin absis 'arch, vault' from Ancient Greek ἀψίς apsis 'arch'; sometimes written apsis, plural apsides) is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome, also known as an exedra. In Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Christian church (including cathedral and abbey) architecture, the term is applied to a semi-circular or polygonal termination of the main building at the liturgical east end (where the altar is), regardless of the shape of the roof, which may be flat, sloping, domed, or hemispherical.

Of or relating to an apsis.

(Architecture) A usually semicircular or polygonal, often vaulted recess, especially the termination of the sanctuary end of a church.

Of, or, pertaining to, the apsides

(Astronomy) An apsis.

(architecture) Of, pertaining to, or in the form of an apse or the apsides

(architecture) A semicircular projection from a building, especially the rounded east end of a church that contains the altar.

(astronomy) Of or pertaining to an apsis or the apsides

The bishop's seat or throne in ancient churches.

Of or pertaining to the apsides of an orbit.

A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were kept.

Of or pertaining to the apse of a church; as, the apsidal termination of the chancel.

Obsolete form of apsis; The nearest and furthest points to the centre of gravitational attraction for a body in orbit. More usually called an apsis.

Of or relating an apse

A projecting part of a building, esp. of a church, having in the plan a polygonal or semicircular termination, and, most often, projecting from the east end. In early churches the Eastern apse was occupied by seats for the bishop and clergy.

A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were kept.

A domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar