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temple

[C/U] Both
pl: temples

The architectural sense of the word evokes a feeling of sanctuary, timelessness, and sacredness. It suggests a space set apart from the mundane world, designed to facilitate a connection with the divine or the spiritual. This usage is common across various cultures and religions, though it often carries a connotation of ancient or Eastern traditions. In an anatomical sense, the word describes a vulnerable point of the skull. This creates a sharp contrast with the spiritual meaning, shifting the focus from the eternal and divine to the fragile and biological. This duality makes the word unique, linking the highest aspirations of the soul with the physical fragility of the human head.

Countable when referring to a building used for worship. Uncountable when referring to the anatomical region of the head as a general area of the body.

Meanings

Noun

A building devoted to the worship of a god or gods.

"The monks spent their days meditating in the temple."

Noun

The flat area on either side of the forehead.

"He rubbed his temple to ease the pounding headache."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026Report an Error