Common Nouns Lexicon

An adyton is a secret chamber located within certain ancient Greek temples, often reserved for priests and sacred rites.

Ahimsā refers to the principle of universal non-violence, a core concept in Indian religions such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

The Ala-Gila is a traditional architectural technique, characterized by intricate patterns and innovative use of local materials.

The amalaka is a distinctive architectural element found atop Hindu temple towers, often represented as a ribbed disc.

The Amarna style, stemming from the Amarna period, is marked by the reforms of Pharaoh Akhenaten. It features more realistic and expressively human depictions, breaking away from the idealized conventions of traditional Egyptian art.

The term Amazigh refers to the indigenous peoples of North Africa, who have inhabited the region since antiquity from the Atlantic Ocean to western Egypt.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a fruit rich in antioxidants, widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic properties.

Aparigraha is an ethical principle from Indian traditions advocating non-possessiveness and detachment from material and emotional attachments.

Apsaras are celestial nymphs in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, often depicted in ancient Indian art and literature.

The apse is a semi-circular or polygonal area located at the end of the choir in a church, often vaulted and housing the main altar.