narthex

2 definitions found

narthex - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Narthex \Nar"thex\, n. [L., giant fennel, Gr. na`rqhx.]
     1. (Bot.) A tall umbelliferous plant (Ferula communis). See
        Giant fennel, under Fennel.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Arch.) The portico in front of ancient churches;
        sometimes, the atrium or outer court surrounded by
        ambulatories; -- used, generally, for any vestibule,
        lobby, or outer porch, leading to the nave of a church.
        [1913 Webster]

narthex - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  narthex
      n 1: portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or
           church
      2: a vestibule leading to the nave of a church