narthex

英 ['nɑːθeks] 美 ['nɑrθɛks]

narthex (n.): "porch at the west end of early churches" (used by penitents not admitted to the body of the church), 1670s, from Late Greek narthex, in classical Greek "giant fennel," of unknown origin. The architectural feature allegedly so called from fancied resemblance of porch to a hollow stem. The word also was used in Greek to mean "a small case for unguents, etc." According to Hesiod ("Theogeny"), Prometheus conveyed fire from Heaven to Earth in hollow fennel stalks. Related: Narthecal.

1. The narthex is usually separated from the nave by columns or a pierced wall.: 一般用柱子或开了门洞的墙将前廊与中堂分隔开.