Definition

1. Noun:
   • A raised structure on which gifts or sacrifices are made to a deity: An "altar" is a physical structure, often a table or platform, used as a focal point for religious rituals, offerings, or sacrifices.
   • The table in Christian churches where the Eucharist is celebrated: In Christian contexts, the "altar" specifically refers to the consecrated table where the sacrament of Holy Communion is administered.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The ancient priests placed offerings on the stone altar. (The ancient priests placed offerings on the stone altar.)
  • The couple stood before the altar to exchange their vows. (The couple stood before the altar to exchange their vows.)
  • The priest prepared the bread and wine on the altar for the Mass. (The priest prepared the bread and wine on the altar for the Mass.)

Advanced Usage

• "to lead to the altar": An idiom meaning to marry someone, especially in a formal or church ceremony.
  • After a long courtship, he finally led her to the altar. (After a long courtship, he finally led her to the altar.)

Variants and Related Words

• Altarpiece (noun): A painting, sculpture, or screen placed above and behind an altar.
  • The medieval altarpiece depicted scenes from the life of Christ.
• Altar rail (noun): A rail in front of the altar where communicants kneel to receive Communion.
  • The congregation approached the altar rail to receive the sacrament.

Synonyms

• Shrine: A place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person.
• Sanctuary: The holiest part of a sacred place, which can contain an altar.

Related Phrases

• Altar boy/girl/server: A person, often a child or young adult, who assists the clergy during a religious service.
  • The altar server carried the processional cross.
• High altar: The principal altar in a church.
  • The cathedral's high altar was made of carved marble.

Related Idioms

• "Sacrifice on the altar of...": To give up something valuable for the sake of something else, often used metaphorically.
  • He sacrificed his personal life on the altar of his career. (He sacrificed his personal life on the altar of his career.)

Noun

1. a raised structure on which gifts or sacrifices to a god are made
2. the table in Christian churches where communion is given