Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Basilica

A Roman hall of justice, typically with a high central space lit by a clerestory and lower aisles all around it, and with apses or exedrae for the seats of the judges

The form of the early Christian church, a central high nave with clerestory, lower aisles along the sides only, with a semicircular apse at the end. Often preceded by a vestibule (narthex) and atrium. In larger basilicas, there are often transepts, and sometimes five aisles.

From the Greek "basileus" which means "a king"

In the Roman Catholic Church today, "basilica" is a canonical title given to certain churches and carrying special liturgical privileges.

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Examples from Buffalo architecture:

• Illustration above: St. Anthony of Padua RC Church
  
  
• St. Francis Xavier RC Church