tab
tab
UK[tæb]US[tæb]
n
A small projecting flap or strip of material attached to an object, used for opening, handling, or identifying it.
n
A bill or check for costs incurred, especially in a bar or restaurant.
n
A key on a computer keyboard that moves the cursor a preset number of spaces.
v
To mark or identify with a tab.
v
To choose or name someone for a particular role or position.
Etymology
The word 'tab' emerged in the early 17th century as a clipped form of 'tabulation' or 'tablet', referring to a small flap or tag. Its use for a financial account or bill (as in "keep a tab") likely derives from the practice of keeping scores on a tally tablet. The computing sense, relating to a key or a document section, developed in the mid-20th century by analogy with the tabulator stops on a typewriter, which organized information into columns. Thus, this concise monosyllable carries meanings connected to identification, accounting, and spatial organization, all stemming from the core idea of a small, marked piece or a record.
Analysis
The word 'tab' is a simplex word. It is a short, clipped form of other words and does not contain separable morphemes within its modern spelling.
Examples
He pulled the tab to open the can of soda.
Could we have separate tabs for our drinks, please?
Press the Tab key to move to the next field in the form.