Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈansə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "chancels" is spelled with a "ch" sound followed by "an-suhls." The IPA phonetic transcription for "ch" is /tʃ/, which is a voiceless postalveolar affricate. The "an" sound is represented by /æn/, which is a low front vowel followed by the nasal consonant /n/. The word refers to the part of a church containing the choir and altar, typically separated from the nave by a railing or screen.
Chancels, in the context of architecture and religious buildings, refer to the spaces or areas within a church that are reserved for the clergy and are usually located at the eastern end of the church, typically separated from the nave by a screen or steps. This term is particularly used in Christian churches, such as cathedrals, basilicas, and other places of worship.
Chancels are typically elevated and represent a more sacred and distinct area within the church. They are often considered the holiest part of the building, as they are designated for the celebration of the Eucharist and other significant religious ceremonies. The chancel may also house the main altar of the church, where the sacrament of the Holy Communion is performed.
The design and decoration of chancels often vary depending on the architectural style and traditions of the particular denomination or period. They can be adorned with ornate carvings, sculptures, stained glass windows, and other religious iconography. Some chancels may also contain additional features like choir stalls, pulpit, lecterns, and a sanctuary for the clergy.
In summary, chancels are defined as the reserved spaces within a church, particularly in Christian worship, where the clergy lead religious services, including the Eucharist. They are typically located at the eastern end and are considered sacred and distinct from the main area of the church.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "chancel" has its origins in Old French. It can be traced back to the late 14th century, derived from the Old French word "chancel" or "chansel", meaning "lattice" or "grille". This, in turn, can be attributed to the Latin word "cancellus", which also means "lattice" or "grille". The term "chancel" originally referred to a church area that was partitioned off by lattice work or rails, separating it from the rest of the nave. Over time, the word "chancel" came to specifically denote the space around the altar in a church.
