altar definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

al·tar [ áwltər ] (plural al·tars)

noun

Definition:

1. raised ceremonial religious structure: a raised, typically flat-topped structure or area where religious ceremonies are performed

2. Communion table: the table or other raised structure in a Christian church on which the bread and wine of Communion are prepared

[Pre-12th century. < Latin altare< altaria "burnt offerings," probably < adolere "burn up"]

lead somebody to the altar to marry somebody (dated informal)

Spelling Note


	altar or alter? Do not confuse the spelling of altar and alter, which sound similar. Altar is a noun referring to a ceremonial structure where religious ceremonies take place, and alter is a verb meaning "change," as in I had to alter the wording of the document.