basilica

noun ba·sil·i·ca \bə-ˈsi-li-kə also -ˈzi-\

: a large church that has a long central part that ends in a curved wall

Full Definition of BASILICA

: an oblong building ending in a semicircular apse used in ancient Rome especially for a court of justice and place of public assembly

: an early Christian church building consisting of nave and aisles with clerestory and a large high transept from which an apse projects

: a Roman Catholic church given ceremonial privileges

— ba·sil·i·can \-kən\ adjective

See basilica defined for English-language learners

Latin, from Greek basilikē, from feminine of basilikos royal, from basileus king

First Known Use: 1541

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