NICHE

Niche

A niche in classical architecture is an exedra or an apse that has been reduced in size, retaining the half-dome heading usual for an apse. Nero's Domus Aurea was the first semi-private dwelling that possessed rooms that were given richly varied floor plans, shaped with niches and exedras; sheathed in dazzling polished white marble, such curved surfaces concentrated or dispersed the daylight.

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niche

Noun

  1. A cavity, hollow, or recess, generally within the thickness of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament. Hence, any similar position, literal or figurative.
    "Images defended from the injuries of the weather by niches of stone wherein they are placed." --Evelyn.
  2. A function within an ecological system to which an organism is especially suited.
  3. Any position of opportunity for which one is well-suited, such as a particular market in business.
  4. An arrow woven into a Muslim prayer rug pointing in the direction of Mecca.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: niche
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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