verb, -lat⋅ed, -lat⋅ing, adjective | 1. | to put or arrange in a tabular, systematic, or condensed form; formulate tabularly. |
| 2. | tab 1 (def. 13). |
| 3. | shaped like a table or tablet; tabular. |
| 4. | having transverse septae, as certain corals. |
noun, verb, tabbed, tab⋅bing.| 1. | a small flap, strap, loop, or similar appendage, as on a garment, used for pulling, hanging, or decoration. |
| 2. | a tag or label. |
| 3. | a small projection from a card, paper, or folder, used as an aid in filing. |
| 4. | Informal. a bill, as for a meal in a restaurant; check. |
| 5. | a small piece attached or intended to be attached, as to an automobile license plate. |
| 6. | a small flap or tongue of material used to seal or close the opening of a container. |
| 7. | Also called tabulator. a stop on a typewriter, actuated by a key, that moves the carriage, typing element, etc., a predetermined number of spaces, used for typing material in columns, for fixed indentations, etc. |
| 8. | a programmed command on a computer, actuated by a key, that moves the cursor or printhead a predetermined number of spaces, used for keying material in columns, for fixed indentations, etc. |
| 9. | Theater.
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| 10. | Aeronautics. a small airfoil hinged to the rear portion of a control surface, as to an elevator, aileron, or rudder. Compare trim tab. |
| 11. | to furnish or ornament with a tab or tabs. |
| 12. | to name or designate. |
| 13. | Also, tabulate. to operate the tab function on a typewriter or computer. |
| 14. | keep tabs or tab on, Informal. to keep an account of; check on; observe: The police kept tabs on the suspect's activities. |
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