different between exonarthex vs narthex

English

Etymology

From exo- +? narthex.

Noun

exonarthex (plural exonarthexes)

1. (architecture, Christianity) The space anterior to the narthex of a church, sometimes roofed-over as with a porch, but more often an enclosed courtyard; in antiquity, the courtyard where catechumens were permitted to be close to the Eucharist, but forbidden to see it celebrated.

Coordinate terms

• esonarthex

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ?????? (nárth?x, “giant fennel”), later ‘casket’ (modern Greek ???????? (nárthikas)), a Pre-Greek word, as suggested by the suffix. See also ?????? (nárdos, “nard”).

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?n????ks/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?n????ks/

Noun

narthex (plural narthexes or narthices)

1. (architecture) A western vestibule leading to the nave in some Christian churches.
   • 2007, Edwin Mullins, The Popes of Avignon, Blue Bridge 2008, p. 87:

     One of these was Cardinal Jacopo Stefaneschi, [...] who had now conceived ambitious plans for paintings to decorate the entire narthex, or entrance porch, of Avignon's ancient cathedral.

Derived terms

• endonarthex
• exonarthex

Translations