temple
UK: ˈtɛmp(ə)l | US: ˈtɛmpəl
n. a building devoted to worship, especially in ancient or non-Christian religions
n. the flat region on either side of the forehead
n. (figurative) a place regarded as the center of a particular activity or interest
The word "temple" traces back to Latin templum, meaning a consecrated space or sanctuary, originally referring to an open area for augury (divination by observing birds). The term evolved to denote sacred buildings in Roman religion and later in Christianity. The anatomical sense (side of the forehead) arose in Middle English from the resemblance of the skull's temporal bone to a temple's arched structure.
The ancient Greek temple was dedicated to Athena.
She rubbed her temples to relieve the headache.
The library became a temple of knowledge for the community.
The ruins of the Mayan temples attract many archaeologists.
His workshop was a temple of creativity and innovation.