retrochoir: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “retrochoir” mean?
The space behind the high altar in a church, typically at the east end, often containing chapels or ambulatories.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The space behind the high altar in a church, typically at the east end, often containing chapels or ambulatories.
In ecclesiastical architecture, the area located to the east of the choir and high altar, sometimes forming a separate architectural unit with its own aisles or chapels, historically used for processions or housing important shrines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely architectural/historical with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, appearing almost exclusively in academic texts on Gothic architecture.
Grammar
How to Use “retrochoir” in a Sentence
The retrochoir of [Cathedral Name]A retrochoir with [architectural feature]The [adjective] retrochoirVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retrochoir” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The retrochoir space was added in the 13th century.
American English
- The retrochoir design features elaborate rib vaulting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in architectural history, art history, and ecclesiastical studies to describe specific cathedral layouts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in architectural descriptions of Gothic cathedrals, particularly English and French.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retrochoir”
- Using it to mean any area behind an altar (it's specific to large medieval churches).
- Confusing it with 'transept' (the cross-arms of a church).
- Pronouncing 'choir' as /tʃɔɪr/ instead of /kwaɪə(r)/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized architectural term used almost exclusively in academic descriptions of medieval church architecture.
Typically no. The term is historically associated with the specific spatial arrangements of Gothic cathedrals. Modern churches rarely have this architectural feature.
An ambulatory is a walkway, often around the apse. A retrochoir is the entire space behind the high altar, which may include an ambulatory, chapels, and other structures.
No. It is a feature of certain medieval cathedral designs, particularly in England (e.g., Winchester, Canterbury) and France. Many cathedrals and most churches do not have one.
The space behind the high altar in a church, typically at the east end, often containing chapels or ambulatories.
Retrochoir is usually technical/formal in register.
Retrochoir: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛtrəʊˌkwaɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛtroʊˌkwaɪər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RETRO (behind) + CHOIR (where the choir sings) = the space BEHIND the choir area.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARCHITECTURAL SPACE AS BODY PART (the 'rear' or 'back' section of the church body)
Practice
Quiz
What is a retrochoir?