bema

noun

be·​ma ˈbē-mə How to pronounce bema (audio)
1
: the usually raised part of an Eastern church containing the altar
2
: bimah

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin & Late Greek; Late Latin, from Late Greek bēma, from Greek, step, tribunal, from bainein to go — more at come

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bema was in 1683

Dictionary Entries Near bema

BEM

bema

bemad

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Bema.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bema. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bema

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