altar
altar Lexical Profile
altar Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A table or flat-topped block, often raised, used as the focus for a religious ritual, especially for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity.
"The ancient temple featured a stone altar where priests once placed offerings of grain and incense."
A raised table or platform in a Christian church at which the bread and wine are consecrated in communion services, also serving as the traditional site for wedding ceremonies.
"The bride and groom stood together before the altar to exchange their marriage vows."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the noun "altar" (a sacred table or platform used in religious ceremonies) with its homophone "alter," which is a verb meaning to change or modify.
• Rhymes for altar
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English altar, borrowed from Late Latin altare, which is traditionally associated with Latin altus ("high") and an ancient Indo-European root meaning "to burn" (referring to burnt offerings).