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desk

 - 3 dictionary results

desk

[desk]
–noun
1. an article of furniture having a broad, usually level, writing surface, as well as drawers or compartments for papers, writing materials, etc.
2. a frame for supporting a book from which the service is read in a church.
3. a pulpit.
4. the section of a large organization, as a governmental bureau or newspaper, having authority over and responsibility for particular operations within the organization: city desk; foreign desk.
5. a table or counter, as in a library or office, at which a specific job is performed or a service offered: an information desk; reception desk.
6. a stand used to support sheet music; music stand.
7. (in an orchestra) a seat or position assigned by rank (usually used in combination): a first-desk flutist.
–adjective
8. of or pertaining to a writing desk: a desk drawer.
9. of a size or form suitable for use on a desk: desk dictionary.
10. done at or based on a desk, as in an office or schoolroom: He used to be a traveling salesman, but now he has a desk job.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME deske < ML desca, descus desk, lectern, prob. < a Romance-influenced form of L discus discus; cf. dais, dish, ML discus refectory table
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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desk   (děsk)   
n.  
  1. A piece of furniture typically having a flat or sloping top for writing and often drawers or compartments.

  2. A table, counter, or booth at which specified services or functions are performed: an information desk; a reception desk.

  3. A department of a large organization in charge of a specified operation: a newspaper's city desk.

  4. A lectern.

  5. A music stand in an orchestra.


[Middle English deske, from Medieval Latin desca, table, from Old Italian desco, from Latin discus, quoit; see disk.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

desk

a table, frame, or case with a sloping or horizontal top particularly designed to aid writing or reading, and often containing drawers, compartments, or pigeonholes.

Learn more about desk with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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