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An aedicula is a small structure or niche used as a shrine, often to house a statue. The term comes from the Latin word for a small temple or house. These decorative recesses were frequently incorporated into walls by ancient Roman architects for displaying objects.12

The adjective aedicular describes something related to an aedicula or having niches. While the primary meaning relates to these shrine-like structures, the word "niche" itself can also refer to a hollowed-out space in a wall, a suitable position or activity, or the natural habitat of a plant or animal.34

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