ˈȯltə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Latin altare ) of Middle English alter, auter; Middle English alter, from Old English altar, from Latin alatre altar, materials for burning on an altar; Middle English auter, from Old French, from Latin altare; akin to Latin adolēre to burn up, and perhaps to Swedish dialect ala to flame, burn, Sanskrit alāta firebrand, coal
1. : a raised structure (as a block, pile of blocks, pillar, or stand) on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned (as in the worship of a deity or of the spirit of a deceased ancestor) ; broadly : any structure or place serving as a place of sacrifice or worship
2.
a. : a tablelike construction used in the Christian church in celebrating the Eucharist : communion table — called also Lord's table, Holy Table
b. in the Eastern Church : sanctuary 1a(2)
3. : a piece of furniture resembling an altar and used in ritual and ceremonial practices in the Masonic and other fraternal societies
4. : any of the steps, ledges, or offsets the flights of which form the inner sides of a graving dock or dry dock