n.
Pronunciation: ' o ̇ l-t ə r
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English alter, from Old English altar, from Latin altare; probably akin to Latin adol ē re to burn up
Date: before 12th century
1 : a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship ― often used figuratively to describe a thing given great or undue precedence or value especially at the cost of something else <sacrificed his family life on the altar of career advancement>
2 : a table on which the eucharistic elements are consecrated or which serves as a center of worship or ritual