<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Be·ma·ta [bee-muh-tuh]</li><li>Plural: be·mas</li><li>Eastern Church: the enclosed space surrounding the altar; the sanctuary or chancel.</li><li>(In a Christian basilica): an open space between the end of the nave arcade and the apse.</li><li>Bimah: a platform for public speaking.</li></ul>