cella
[
sel
-
uh
]
/ˈsɛl ə/
noun
,
plural
cellae
[
sel
-ee]
/ˈsɛl i/
(
Show IPA
).
Architecture
1.
the principal enclosed chamber of a classical temple.
2.
the entire central structure of a classical temple.
Also called
naos
.
Origin
1670-80;
<
Latin:
storeroom, shrine, akin to
cēlāre
to hide; see
conceal
British Dictionary definitions for
cella
cella
/
ˈsɛlə
/
noun
(
pl
)
-lae
(
-liː
)
1.
the inner room of a classical temple, esp the room housing the statue of a deity
Also called
naos
Word Origin
C17: from Latin: room, shrine; see
cell
1