altar

[awl-ter]

noun

1. an elevated place or structure, as a mound or platform at which religious rites are performed or on which sacrifices are offered to gods, ancestors, etc.

2. Ecclesiastical.,  communion table.

3. Astronomy.,  Altar, the constellation Ara.

4. (in a dry dock) a ledge for supporting the feet of shorings.

altar

/ ˈɔːltə /

noun

1. a raised place or structure where sacrifices are offered and religious rites performed

2. (in Christian churches) the communion table

3. a step in the wall of a dry dock upon which structures supporting a vessel can stand

4. informal,  to marry

Word History and Origins

Origin of altar¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English alter, altar, auter, Old English altar, altare, alter; (compare Middle Dutch outaer, Old Saxon, Old Norse altari, Old High German altāri ), from Latin altāria (the more frequently used plural of altāre used in a singular sense), of disputed origin and formation, but probably akin to Latin adolēre “to make a burnt offering, cremate,” Umbrian uřetu “let it burn, set incense on the fire”

Word History and Origins

Origin of altar¹

Old English, from Latin altāria (plural) altar, from altus high

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. lead to the altar, to marry.

   After a five-year courtship, he led her to the altar.

Example Sentences

In an interview with France's Le Monde, she said the song was inspired by her namesake, Saint Rosalia de Palermo, who fled the altar to dedicate her life to God.

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Looking at some of the pieces in the walnut frames, the word “altar” easily comes to mind.

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"One time there was a carpet leading up to the altar that became absolutely sodden with urine and droppings and had to be thrown away. They also destroyed the brass work."

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In the end, Ali and Anton made it to the wedding, but she said she couldn’t marry him at the altar.

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Ponnet was as an altar server at St. Luke’s Church, where he attended elementary and middle school.

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Related Words

• shrine