altar

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Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈɔːl.tə/, /ˈɒl.tə/
• (GA) IPA: /ˈɔl.tɚ/, /ˈɑl.tɚ/
• (Canada) IPA: /ˈɑl.tɚ/

Noun

altar (plural altars)

1. A table or similar flat-topped structure used for religious rites.
2. (informal) A raised area around an altar in a church; the sanctuary.
3. (figurative) Anything that is worshipped or sacrificed to.
   • 2000, Alain Renaut, ‎M. B. De Bevoise, Era of the Individual: A Contribution to a History of Subjectivity

     […] now marking the end of ascetic rationalism, the monadology no longer implied a sacrifice of individuality on the altar of rationality.

Translations

• French: autel
• German: Altar
• Italian: altare
• Portuguese: altar
• Russian: алта́рь
• Spanish: altar

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