altar

al·tar

noun, often attributive \ˈȯl-tər\

Definition of ALTAR

1

: a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship —often used figuratively to describe a thing given great or undue precedence or value especially at the cost of something else <sacrificed his family life on the altar of career advancement>

2

: a table on which the eucharistic elements are consecrated or which serves as a center of worship or ritual

Origin of ALTAR

Middle English alter, from Old English altar, from Latin altare; probably akin to Latin adolēre to burn up

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

Rhymes with ALTAR

alter, falter, halter, palter, salter, vaulter