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desk Definition

desk (desk)

noun

  1. a piece of furniture equipped with drawers, compartments, etc., and a flat or sloping top for writing, drawing, or reading
  2. a lectern
    1. the post of a clerk, official, etc. in a department or office
    2. the place in a hotel where guests are registered, mail is picked up, etc.
    3. a division of a newspaper or other office, carrying out some specialized function the city desk; the trading desk
  4. a musician's stand in an orchestra

Etymology: ME deske < ML desca, a table, ult. < L discus: see discus

adjective

  1. of, for, or on a desk
  2. done at a desk a desk job

desk Synonyms

desk

n.

  1. A piece of furniture

    secretary, worktable, writing desk, writing table, drafting table, escritoire, bureau, box, lectern, reading desk, reading stand, counter, frame, case, retable, ledge, pulpit; roll-top, flat-top, drop-front, executive's, secretary's, kneehole, pedestal, etc., desk; see also furniture, table 1.

  2. A department, as of an editorial office

    jurisdiction, bureau, section; see department 2.

    Newspaper desks include: city, telegraph, cable, state, copy, rewrite, financial, business, editorial, community, political, international, crime, art, sports, society, farm; ring*, slot*, horseshoe*.

desk Finance Definition

A short way of saying trading desk. The term is used across all financial and commodities markets. A trading desk is the department that is responsible for executing securities transactions.

desk Usage Examples

Preposition: on

+44: If you have a question or comment about access, please call the information desk on +44 ( 0)20 7942 5011 or email us.

Adjective modifier

  • 24-hour: Complimentary daily newspapers are provided at the 24-hour reception desk.
  • front: Simply sign up at the front desk for the hours desired.
  • tidy: I'm determined to have a tidy desk this month!
  • dedicated: The lack of a dedicated focus desk for quality of life issues was the subject of adverse comment during sector team focus groups.
  • wooden: There was one big blackboard in each class and we all sat at wooden desks.

Converse of object

mix: The website is a series on online mixing desks.

Modifies a noun

  • drawer: SKINNER: Look at my desk drawer, Agent Mulder.
  • lamp: Invest in a desk lamp to prevent eye strain.
  • sergeant: At the station-house the desk sergeant asked for his name.
  • clerk: The desk clerk nods, then turns to me.
  • drawers: REVEREND MACKEY sits for a moment, then removes a cardboard box from one of the desk drawers.
  • accessory: Apple popularized the concept with the built-in desk accessories that came on a Mac, he said.

Preposition: in

foyer: Alternatively go to the University information desk in the foyer opposite the main entrance.

Noun used with modifier

  • check-in: To find your check-in desk, consult the screens in the arrival halls or ask at an information desk.
  • reception: Visitors will be greeted at a reception desk close to the front doors.
  • inquiry: Please ask at the Bodleian Law Library inquiry desk to be logged on by a member of staff.
  • help: The Help Desk is staffed between 8.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday.
  • mahogany: Embodies the 80's management philosophy of coming out from behind the mahogany desk once in a while to inspire the little people.
  • concierge: Return to Top OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION ISLAND TOURS: Check with the concierge desk for schedules and prices.

Browse dictionary entries near desk

  1. ‹ desist
  2. ‹ desirous
  3. ‹ desiring
  4. ‹ desire
  5. ‹ desirable
  6. ‹ desirability
  7. ‹ designing
  8. ‹ designer drug
  9. ‹ designer
  10. ‹ designee
  1. deskman ›
  2. desktop ›
  3. desktop publishing ›
  4. desman ›
  5. desmid ›
  6. desmoid ›
  7. desmosome ›
  8. Desmoulins ›
  9. desolate ›
  10. desolation ›