iconostasis
/ˌaɪkəˈnɒstəsɪs/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.49 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
3
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A wall of icons between the sanctuary and the nave in an Eastern Orthodox church.
Example Sentences
- "The golden glitter on the crimson background of the iconostasis, the gilt ornaments of the icons, the silver of the chandeliers and candlesticks, the flagstones of the floor, the mats, the banners above the choir, the steps of the ambo, the ancient books black with age, the cassocks and surplices, were all inundated with light."
- "The altar was hidden behind an Iconostasis. The church was looked after by an old sacristan who lived in a cottage on the shore of the lake."
Etymology
Borrowed from Byzantine Greek εἰκονόστασις (eikonóstasis), from εἰκών (eikṓn, “icon”) + στάσις (stásis, “fixture”).