desk

 
Pronunciation: /dɛsk/

noun

  • 1a piece of furniture with a flat or sloping surface and typically with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work: he sat at his desk, reading reports [as modifier]: a desk job
  • 2a counter in a hotel, bank, or airport at which a customer may check in or obtain information: the reception desk
  • 3 [with modifier] a specified section of a newspaper or broadcasting organization: he landed a job on the sports desk
  • 4 Music a position in an orchestra at which two players share a music stand: an extra desk of first and second violins

Origin:

late Middle English: from medieval Latin desca, probably based on Provençal desca 'basket' or Italian desco 'table, butcher's block', both based on Latin discus (see discus)