n.
Pronunciation: ' dek
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English dekke covering of a ship, from Middle Dutch *dec covering, probably from Middle Low German vordeck, from vordecken to cover, from vor- for- + decken to cover; akin to Old High German decchen to cover ― more at THATCH
Date: 1509
1 : a platform in a ship serving usually as a structural element and forming the floor for its compartments
2 : something resembling the deck of a ship: as a : a story or tier of a building (as a sports stadium) <the upper deck > b : the roadway of a bridge c : a flat floored roofless area adjoining a house d : the lid of the compartment at the rear of the body of an automobile also : the compartment e : a layer of clouds
3 a : a pack of playing cards b : a packet of narcotics
4 : TAPE DECK
– on deck
1 : ready for duty
2 : next in line : next in turn