cella: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “cella” mean?
The inner chamber or sanctuary of a classical temple, housing the cult statue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The inner chamber or sanctuary of a classical temple, housing the cult statue.
In broader archaeological and architectural contexts, the main enclosed room of a temple or shrine; by extension, any small, simple room or chamber.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes classical antiquity, scholarship, and precision. Neutral in tone.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its use is confined to relevant academic and technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “cella” in a Sentence
The cella (of the temple) (was decorated with...)A(n) (adj.) cella (stood at the centre...)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cella” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Parthenon's cella once housed the great chryselephantine statue of Athena.
- Excavations revealed that the cella walls were painted with vibrant colours.
- Access to the inner cella was restricted to priests.
American English
- The tour guide explained how the cult statue was positioned in the cella.
- The cella, a windowless room, was the most sacred part of the Roman temple.
- Scholars debate the original ceiling height of the temple's cella.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in archaeology, art history, and architecture papers and textbooks to describe the central structure of a classical temple.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in architectural plans, excavation reports, and museum descriptions of classical antiquities.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cella”
- Confusing 'cella' with 'cellar' (an underground room).
- Mispronouncing it /ˈtʃɛlə/ (like 'cello').
- Using it to describe any room in a modern building.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used primarily in archaeology, art history, and classical studies.
They are essentially synonyms. 'Cella' is the Latin term, and 'naos' is the Greek term for the same architectural feature—the inner chamber of a temple.
Rarely, and only in a metaphorical or poetic sense to describe a very private, inner room or space. Its primary use remains tied to ancient architecture.
The standard plural is 'cellae' (/ˈsɛliː/), following its Latin origin.
The inner chamber or sanctuary of a classical temple, housing the cult statue.
Cella is usually specialized, academic, technical in register.
Cella: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. Term is too technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'cell' inside a temple where the sacred statue 'dwells'. Cella = the statue's cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND / SELF AS A SACRED INNER CHAMBER (e.g., 'the cella of his thoughts').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best definition for 'cella'?