altar definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

	alteration

	altercation

	alternant

	alternate

	alternate angle

	alternate payee

	alternately

	alternating current

	alternation

	alternation of generations

	alternative

	alternative assessment

	alternative comedy

	alternative curriculum

	alternative dispute resolution

	alternative energy

	alternative fibers

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.