dominical altar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare / TechnicalFormal / Ecclesiastical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “dominical altar” mean?
The main altar in a Christian church, especially one used for the celebration of the Eucharist on the Lord's Day (Sunday).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The main altar in a Christian church, especially one used for the celebration of the Eucharist on the Lord's Day (Sunday).
A term used historically and liturgically to denote the principal altar where the Sunday (dominical) Mass is celebrated, emphasizing its central role in weekly worship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties. Slight preference for its use in historical or high-church Anglican contexts in the UK, and in Catholic or academic liturgical studies in the US.
Connotations
Scholarly, historical, or traditional liturgical practice. Not used in everyday religious language.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. Primarily encountered in theological texts, historical descriptions of church architecture, or specialized liturgical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “dominical altar” in a Sentence
The [adjective] dominical altarat/near/before the dominical altarthe dominical altar of [church name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dominical altar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest consecrated the dominical altar.
- They will rededicate the dominical altar next year.
American English
- The bishop dedicated the dominical altar.
- The congregation gathered before the dominical altar.
adverb
British English
- The candles were placed dominical-altar-wards.
- The procession moved dominical-altar-ward.
American English
- The clergy stood dominical-altar-side.
- The relics were positioned dominical-altar-adjacent.
adjective
British English
- The dominical altar rites were solemn.
- He studied the dominical altar tradition.
American English
- The dominical altar ceremony was ancient.
- She wrote about dominical altar theology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or architectural studies discussing Christian liturgy or church design.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in ecclesiastical terminology and liturgical studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dominical altar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dominical altar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dominical altar”
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (only if it's a specific, named altar).
- Using it to refer to any altar in a church.
- Confusing 'dominical' with 'dominant'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and highly technical term. Most people, including regular churchgoers, would simply say 'the main altar' or 'the high altar'.
It refers to 'the Lord' (from Latin 'Dominus'), and by extension to Sunday as 'the Lord's Day'. Thus, it's the altar central to Sunday worship.
No. It is intrinsically Christian, rooted in Latin liturgical language and the theology of Sunday as a holy day.
A dominical altar is the principal, central altar intended for the main Sunday service. A side altar is a smaller, secondary altar in a chapel or side aisle, often used for private masses or dedicated to a specific saint.
The main altar in a Christian church, especially one used for the celebration of the Eucharist on the Lord's Day (Sunday).
Dominical altar is usually formal / ecclesiastical / historical in register.
Dominical altar: in British English it is pronounced /dəˈmɪnɪkəl ˈɔːltə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˈmɪnɪkəl ˈɑːltər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DOMINICAL' relates to the Lord (Dominus) and Sunday. The DOMINICAL ALTAR is the Lord's main table for Sunday service.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ALTAR IS A FOCAL POINT (of Sunday worship).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'dominical altar' most likely be used?