ˈmen(t)sə noun
( plural mensas -səz ; or men·sae in sense 1 -n(ˌ)sā, in sense 2 -n(ˌ)sē, -nˌsī sometimes -n(ˌ)sā)
Etymology: Medieval Latin, from Latin, table, from Old Latin, flat cake offered to the gods, perhaps from feminine of mensus, past participle of metiri to measure — more at measure
1. Roman Catholicism : the top of the altar ; especially : the top or central slab upon which the eucharistic elements are placed
2.
[New Latin, from Latin]
: the grinding surface of a tooth