I. ˈdesk noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English deske, from Medieval Latin desca, modification of Italian desco board, table, from Latin discus dish, disk, quoit — more at dish
1.
a. : a table, frame, or case that has a sloping or horizontal surface especially for writing and reading and is often provided with drawers, compartments, and pigeonholes
b. obsolete : bookcase , bookshelf
c. : a reading table or lectern to support the book from which the liturgical service is read that differs from the pulpit from which the sermon is preached
d. : a table, counter, stand, or booth at which a person (as an editor, a police sergeant, a clerk) performs his duties
speeding — at least for first offenders — can be settled for a set fine at the violations desk — J.C.Ingraham
leave your key at the desk when you are out of the hotel
e. : a music stand
2.
a. Scotland : a pew or seat in a church
b. : a seating position according to rank in an orchestra
a first- desk violinist
3.
a. : a division of a complex organization that specializes in and is responsible for a particular phase of that organization's activity
the city desk of a metropolitan newspaper
the head of the State Department's Northeast Asian desk
b. : a person officiating at or heading such a desk
II. adjective
1. : engaged at or suitable for use at a desk
no mere desk executive
a desk dictionary
a desk chair
he was a desk colonel
2. : given to theorizing without technical knowledge or experience of field conditions
desk strategists