n.
Pronunciation: ' tem-p ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English tempel & Anglo-French temple, both from Latin templum space marked out for observation of auguries, temple, small timber; probably akin to Greek temenos sacred precinct, temnein to cut ― more at TOME
Date: before 12th century
1 : a building for religious practice: as a often capitalized : either of two successive national sanctuaries in ancient Jerusalem b : a building for Mormon sacred ordinances c : the house of worship of Reform and some Conservative Jewish congregations
2 : a local lodge of any of various fraternal orders also : the building housing it
3 : a place devoted to a special purpose <a temple of cuisine>
– tem · pled \ -p ə ld \ adjective