First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
altar
noun, al·tar often attributive \ˈȯl-tər\
: a raised place on which sacrifices and gifts are offered in some religions
: a platform or table used as a center of worship in Christian ceremonies and services
Full 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
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Origin of ALTAR
Middle English alter, from Old English altar, from Latin altare; probably akin to Latin adolēre to burn up
Other Christian Religious Terms
ALTAR Defined for Kids
altar
noun al·tar \ˈȯl-tər\
Definition of ALTAR for Kids
1
: a platform or table used as a center of worship
2
: a usually raised place on which sacrifices are offered
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