table
table definition
ta·ble (tā′bəl)
noun
- Obsolete a thin, flat tablet or slab of metal, stone, or wood, used for inscriptions
- a piece of furniture consisting of a flat, horizontal top usually set on legs
- such a table set with food for a meal
- food served at table; feasting as entertainment
- the people seated at a table to eat, talk, etc.
- a meeting at which issues are discussed, negotiations are conducted, etc. they brought fresh offers to the table
- any of various large, flat-topped pieces of furniture or equipment used for games, as a working surface, etc. pool table, examining table
- a compact, systematic list of details, contents, etc.
- a compact arrangement of related facts, figures, values, etc. in orderly sequence, and usually in rows and columns, for convenience of reference the multiplication table
- tableland
- the flat upper surface of certain styles of faceted gems
- Anat. the hard inner or outer layer of the bony tissue of the skull
- Archit.
- any horizontal, projecting piece, as a molding or cornice; stringcourse
- a plain or decorated rectangular piece set into or raised on a wall; panel
- Backgammon either of the two folding leaves of a backgammon board
Etymology: OFr < L tabula, a board, painting, tablet < ? IE *taldhla < base *tel-, flat, a board > OE thille, thin board, flooring
adjective
- of, for, or on a table
- fit for serving at table table salt
table Idioms
at table
at a meal
on the table
☆ postponed or shelved: said of a bill, etc.
the tables
laws, as the Ten Commandments or ancient Roman codes, inscribed on flat stone slabs
turn the tables
to reverse completely a situation as it affects two opposing persons or groups
under the table
Informal- covertly, as a bribe
- drunk to the point of unconsciousness
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Related Discussions (2)
| Topic | Replies | Latest Post |
|---|---|---|
| table (verb) | 7 | 6 years ago |
| What is the book on your bedside table right now? | 14 | 6 years ago |
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