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ba·sil·i·ca  (bə-sili-kə)
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Tweet n. 1. a. A public building of ancient Rome having a central nave with an apse at one or both ends and two side aisles formed by rows of columns, which was used as a courtroom or assembly hall. b. A Christian church building of a similar design, having a nave with a semicircular apse, two or four side aisles, a narthex, and a clerestory. 2. Roman Catholic Church A church that has been accorded certain privileges by the pope. [Latin, fromGreekbasilike, from feminine ofbasilikos, royal, frombasileus, king.] ba·sili·can(-kən)adj.  (click for a larger image) basilicaplan of the 4th-century ad St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy A. apse B. transept C. nave D. aisles E. narthex F. atrium |
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