deck
UK[dek]US[dek]
n
A flat surface for walking on, built across the space between the sides of a ship.
n
A floor or platform, especially one built outdoors, attached to a house.
n
A set of playing cards.
v
To decorate or dress something in a showy way.
Etymology
The word 'deck' entered English in the late 15th century from Middle Dutch 'dec', meaning a roof, covering, or cloak. This Dutch term likely derives from the verb 'dekken', meaning 'to cover'. The core concept of covering or a protective layer is the semantic thread that connects all its modern meanings. The nautical sense of a ship's platform evolved from the idea of a roof or covering over a part of the hull. The meaning of a pack of cards developed in the 16th century, metaphorically referring to the covering of the table or perhaps the 'covering' of possibilities. The verb sense, 'to decorate', also stems from this idea of covering something in an ornate manner.
Analysis
The word 'deck' is a simplex word of Middle Dutch origin. It does not contain separable morphemes in its modern English form.
Examples
The passengers gathered on the upper deck to watch the sunset.
We had breakfast on the wooden deck behind the house.
He shuffled the deck thoroughly before dealing the cards.