Exhedra

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An architectural semicircular or rectangular recess, often with stone seats, found in ancient Greek and Roman buildings and gardens
2. A curved niche or open alcove furnished with benches, used in classical architecture as a place to sit and talk
3. A semicircular seating area set into a wall or colonnade, common in ancient public buildings and later garden design

Etymology: Ancient Greek builders gave the name "exedra" to a feature that is still recognisable in gardens and libraries: a semicircular or rectangular recess, often with a bench, set into a wall or opening onto a larger space. The name is a compound of "ex", meaning "out of", and "hedra", meaning "seat", so the word literally describes a seat projecting outward from a wall. The Greeks applied the word to several settings. Its most famous use is architectural, in the public halls and porticoes where people gathered to talk, listen and rest, and Roman architects adopted the form widely. Because these recesses were places for conversation and study, the word came to be linked with the idea of an assembly or a place for discussion. In English the term is used mainly by architects, archaeologists and art historians when describing classical buildings, Roman villas, and the niches of later garden design. Its spelling variant "exhedra" follows the same Greek roots.

Synonyms: exedra, apse, alcove, niche