al ‧ tar /ˈɔːltə $ ˈɒːltər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1000-1100 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: altare ]
1 . a holy table or surface used in religious ceremonies:
a crucifix above the high altar (=the main altar in a church)
The victim was tied to a sacrificial altar.
2 . the area furthest from the entrance of a church, where the priest or minister stands