temple
ˈtɛmpəl
noun
Origin
Latin
templum — a space marked out (for augury), a sacred place
Overview
Meaning Now
- A building devoted to the worship, or regarded as the dwelling place, of a god or gods or other objects of religious reverence.
- The flattened part of either side of the head between the forehead and the ear.
Literal older meaning
A space marked out for observation
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
temple
Earliest period
12th century
Journey
The anatomical sense of 'temple' is a distinct etymological path originating from Latin 'tempus' (meaning 'time' or 'the side of the forehead'), which is likely related to the idea of the skin being 'stretched' or the vulnerable nature of the area.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*tem-
“to cut”
referring to a space cut out or designated for sacred use
- Latin
templum
“consecrated ground, sanctuary”
- Old French
temple
“religious building”
- Middle English
temple
“religious building”
Connections
Word parts
templ
root
space marked out
e
suffix
nominalizer
Related across languages
French
temple
Spanish
templo
temple
Explore next
Related to temple
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.