noun
altar
AWL-ter/ˈɔːltər/
A raised structure used for religious worship or offerings.
The altar holds objects used in religious worship.
Etymology
Latin altare named a structure for sacrifice. It may originally have meant “burnt offerings,” and the word was influenced by Latin altus, “high.”
In context
the offering was burned on the altar to honor the celestial gods with the rising smoke reaching the heavens.
More examples
- The priest approached the altar.
- The ancient altar was used for offerings.
- Visitors stood quietly near the altar.
Forms
altar · altars
Similar words
- shrine
- A sacred place or object, not necessarily an offering table.