What does reredos mean?
A reredos is a decorative screen or partition that stands behind an altar in a church or chapel. Typically made of wood or stone, it is often carved with intricate patterns or depicts scenes from the Bible. The term 'reredos' is derived from the Latin words 're' (again) and 'dorsum' (back), referring to the screen's position behind the altar. In formal or technical contexts, the term is often used to describe the design or architecture of a church or chapel. While it is less commonly used in everyday conversation, the reredos remains an important element of church design and a symbol of faith.
nounA decorative screen or partition, typically of wood or stone, that stands behind an altar in a church or chapel.
- A decorative screen or partition, typically of wood or stone, that stands behind an altar in a church or chapel.
"The reredos in the cathedral was carved with intricate stone patterns and depicted scenes from the Bible."
"The reredos in the cathedral was carved with intricate stone patterns and depicted scenes from the Bible."
"The small chapel had a simple reredos that was painted with a single image of a saint."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of reredos
The term 'reredos' originated from the Latin words 're' (again) and 'dorsum' (back), referring to the screen's position behind the altar. The Latin term 'reredos' was later adopted into Middle English and has been used in English since the 15th century.
How reredos is actually used
The term 'reredos' is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in architecture or art history. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.