Definitions for altar
ˈɔl təral·tar

Princeton's WordNet(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. altar, communion table, Lord's tablenoun

   the table in Christian churches where communion is given

2. altarnoun

   a raised structure on which gifts or sacrifices to a god are made

Wiktionary(2.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. altarnoun

   A table or similar flat-topped structure used for religious rites.

   Etymology: From altare, probably related to adolere; thus "burning place", influenced by a false connection with altus.

Webster Dictionary(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Altarnoun

   a raised structure (as a square or oblong erection of stone or wood) on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity

   Etymology: [OE. alter, auter, autier, fr. L. altare, pl. altaria, altar, prob. fr. altus high: cf. OF. alter, autier, F. autel. Cf. Altitude.]

2. Altarnoun

   in the Christian church, a construction of stone, wood, or other material for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; the communion table

   Etymology: [OE. alter, auter, autier, fr. L. altare, pl. altaria, altar, prob. fr. altus high: cf. OF. alter, autier, F. autel. Cf. Altitude.]

Freebase(1.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Altar

   An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices are made for religious purposes. Altars are usually found at shrines, and they can be located in temples, churches and other places of worship. Today they are used particularly in Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, Taoism, as well as in Neopaganism and Ceremonial Magic. Judaism did so until the destruction of the Second Temple. Many historical faiths also made use of them, including Greek and Norse religion.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Altar

   awlt′ar, n. an elevated place or structure, block or stone, or the like, on which sacrifices were anciently offered: in Christian churches, the table on which the officiating priest consecrates the eucharist: the communion table: (fig.) a place of worship.—ns. Alt′arage, offerings made upon the altar during the offertory, provided for the maintenance of the priest; Alt′ar-cloth, the covering of the altar, placed over and around it, of silk, velvet, satin, or cloth, often used as including the frontal (antependium), and the super-frontal; Alt′arpiece, a decorative screen, retable, or reredos, placed behind an altar—a work of art, whether a sacred painting or sculpture.—n.pl. Alt′ar-rails, rails separating the sacrarium from the rest of the chancel.—ns. Alt′ar-stone, the slab forming the top or chief part of an altar; Alt′ar-tomb, a monumental memorial, in form like an altar, often with a canopy. These were often placed over the vaults or burying-place, and frequently on the north and south walls of choirs, aisles, and chantry chapels.—adj. Alt′arwise, placed like an altar—north and south, at the upper end of the chancel.—Family altar, the practice or the place of private devotional worship in the family; High altar, the principal altar in a cathedral or other church having more than one altar; Portable altar, a small tablet of marble, jasper, or precious stone, used by special license for Mass when said away from the parish altar, in oratories or other similar places. It was termed super-altare, because commonly placed upon some other altar, or some fitting construction of wood or stone. [L. altāre—altus, high.]

CrunchBase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Altar

   The world's first premium Herbal & Botanical Mood Mixer™ blending the world's finest varietal fruits, heirloom vegetables, single estate teas, fragrant flowers, and exotic spices creating a truly remarkable and delicious beverage.Curated to be enjoyed alone without alcohol as a signature ‘Herbal Martini' or paired with fine spirits in the form of a celebrity mixologist-inspired cocktail.A one of a kind alcohol free beverage created by a team of extraordinary mixologists, tea experts and herbalists who pursue the most unique and unexpected ingredients.Each ALTAR Herbal & Botanical Mood Mixer is:100% All Natural Under 40 Calories Per Serving Made with Organic Ingredients Gluten-Free No Artificial Flavors or Food Coloring No Refined Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup or Cane Syrup.

Dictionary of Nautical Terms(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. altar

   A platform in the upper part of a dock.

Suggested Resources(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. altar

   Song lyrics by altar -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by altar on the Lyrics.com website.

Mythology(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Altar

   A structure on which a sacrifice was offered. The earliest altars were merely heaps of earth or turf or rough unhewn stone; but as the mode of sacrificing became more ceremonious grander altars were built. Some were of marble and brass, ornamented with carvings and bas-reliefs, and the corners with models of the heads of animals. They varied in height from two feet to twenty, and some were built solid; others were made hollow to retain the blood of the victims. Some were provided with a kind of dish, into which frankincense was thrown to overpower the smell of burning fat. This probably was the origin of the custom of burning incense at the altar.

Matched Categories

1. • Structure
   • Table

How to pronounce altar?

1. Alex

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

How to say altar in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of altar in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of altar in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7

Examples of altar in a Sentence

1. Francis Cardinal George, OMI:

   When I consecrate a new church in the Archdiocese, I often point to the altar and explain that the altar in every Catholic Church is the center of the universe, because Christ is the center of history.

2. Ronald Reagan:

   They don't worship at the altar of forced busing and mandatory quotas. They don't believe you can remedy past discrimination by mandating new discrimination. (Defending his nominees for Civil Rights Commission)

3. Pope Francis on Wednesday:

   He accepted his martyrdom there on the altar, he gave his life for us so as not to deny Jesus . . . He is a martyr and martyrs are beatified.

4. Civil War-era:

   We can not sacrifice progress on the altar of purity.

5. Pierce County:

   An unbiased jury will not allow these fine public servants to be sacrificed at the altar of public sentiment.

Images & Illustrations of altar

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