/'ɔ:ltə(r); `ɔltɚ/
n
1 (in Christian churches) table on which bread and wine are consecrated in the Communion service （基督教教堂内的）圣餐桌. =>illus at App
1 见附录1之插图, page viii.
2 table or raised flat-topped platform on which offerings are made to a god （供奉神时用以放置供品的）供桌, 祭坛.
3 (idm 习语) lead sb to the altar =>lead3.

n[C]
[Date: 1000-1100; Language: Latin;Origin: altare]
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.
the area furthest from the entrance of a church, where the priest or minister stands