Altar
/ˈɔːl.tər/noun
A raised structure used for religious rituals, especially for making sacrifices or offerings to deities.
Did you know?The word 'altar' is linked to the ancient practice of sacrifice, derived from a term meaning 'to raise'—symbolizing elevation to the divine realm.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*al-
“to nourish or to grow, relating to offerings”
Latin
Latin
altare
“a high place or raised platform for sacrifices”
Old French
Old French
altare
“a place for worship or sacrifice”
Middle English
Middle English
altare
“a structure used in religious ceremonies”
Modern English
English
altar
“a place for worship, particularly in a Christian context.”