altar

Meaning

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

Synonyms

shrine

Lord’s table

sacrificial altar

communion table

platform

tabernacle

chancel

fire place

table

temple

piece of ground

a place of worship

altar table

incense burner table

place for sacrifice

adytum

Lord's table

arena

chantry

hearth

niche

sanctuary

seat

💺

stage

Translations

altare

autel

altar

Altar

altar

altaar

ara

βωμός

altar

ara

altaria

altare

ara

mihrap

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɒl.tə/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: alter

Inherited from Old English: alter

In summary

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.