altar
n. countablen. a special table or raised place used for religious ceremonies. You often see it at the front of a church or temple during weddings and other services.
n. a raised structure or table used as a focus for religious ritual, sacrifice, or offerings. Frequently situated at the focal point of a place of worship.
The couple stood before the altar to exchange their vows.
The priest placed the ceremonial bread and wine on the stone altar before the service began.
Sunlight streamed through the stained glass, illuminating the ornate carvings of the marble altar that had served the parish for over three centuries.
Inherited from Middle English auter, inherited from Old English altar and borrowed from Old French auter, both derived from Latin altāre, probably related to adolere (“burn”); thus "burning place", influenced by altus (“high”). Displaced native Middle English wēved.
Commonly used with the preposition 'at' or 'before'.
They stood at the alterThey stood at the altarLearners often confuse the noun 'altar' (a table) with the verb 'alter' (to change).