English Explanatory Dictionary

altar

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A table or similar flat-topped structure used for religious rites.
  2. A raised area around an altar in a church; the sanctuary.
  3. Any (real or notional) place where something is worshipped or sacrificed to.

Pronunciation

ôl′tər /ˈɒl.tə/ /ˈɔːl.tə/ /ˈɔl.tɚ/ /ˈɑl.tɚ/ en-us-altar.ogg

Word forms

altar altars

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English auter, inherited from Old English altar and borrowed from Old French auter, both derived from Latin altāre, probably related to adolere (“burn”); thus "burning place", influenced by altus (“high”). Displaced native Middle English wēved.

Derived words

altarage altar bell altar boy altar bread altar call altar card altar carpet altar cloth altar-cloth altared altar girl altar guild altarist altarless altarlet altarlike altar of repose altarpiece altar poem altar screen altar server altar society altar stone altar-stone altar tomb altarware altar wine altarwise high altar Lady altar lead someone to the altar leave someone at the altar superaltar
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