desk
UK[desk]US[desk]
n
a piece of furniture like a table, usually with drawers in it, that you sit at to write and work
n
a place where you can get information or be served at an airport, hotel, etc.
Etymology
the word 'desk' entered english in the mid-14th century from medieval latin 'desca', signifying a table specifically for writing. this latin term evolved from the classical latin 'discus', which referred to a round, flat object like a disk, plate, or a throwing discus. the semantic journey from a flat, circular object to a flat-topped writing table is a clear example of meaning specialization based on shape and function. the greek root 'diskos', from the verb 'dikein' meaning 'to throw', underscores the original object's form before its application to furniture.
Analysis
the word 'desk' is a simplex word. it is a loanword from medieval latin, where 'desca' meant 'table to write on'. its ultimate origin is the latin word 'discus', meaning 'disk, plate, or quoit', which came from greek 'diskos'.
Examples
she left the report on my desk this morning.
please check in at the front desk when you arrive.
the teacher's desk was piled high with papers.