SHELF


Meaning of SHELF in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈshelf ]

noun

( plural shelves ˈshelvz)

Etymology: Middle English, probably from Old English scylfe; akin to Old Norse hlīth skjalf Odin's seat

Date: 14th century

1.

a. : a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects

b. : one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure

c. : the contents of a shelf

the author of a shelf of best sellers

2. : something resembling a shelf in form or position: as

a. : a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged

b. : a flat projecting layer of rock

c. : the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : continental shelf

• shelf·ful ˈshelf-ˌfu̇l noun

• shelf·like ˈshelf-ˌlīk adjective

- off the shelf

- on the shelf

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.