The term APSE refers to a RECESS or CONCHA in architecture. An apse is a semicircular RECESS in a wall, usually found at the end of a church or other religious building. It is often used as a place for the altar or pulpit. The term 'apse' comes from the Latin word 'apsis, ' which means 'ARCH.' The term 'CONCHA' is derived from the Latin word for 'SHELL, ' and it is used to refer to a curved or semi-circular niche or RECESS in a wall. Both terms are used to describe the same architectural feature.