desk

noun

1. an article of furniture having a broad, usually level, writing surface, as well as drawers or compartments for papers, writing materials, etc.
2. a frame for supporting a book from which the service is read in a church.
3. a pulpit.
4. the section of a large organization, as a governmental bureau or newspaper, having authority over and responsibility for particular operations within the organization: city desk; foreign desk.
5. a table or counter, as in a library or office, at which a specific job is performed or a service offered: an information desk; reception desk.
6. a stand used to support sheet music; music stand.
7. (in an orchestra) a seat or position assigned by rank (usually used in combination): a first-desk flutist.

adjective

8. of or relating to a writing desk: a desk drawer.
9. of a size or form suitable for use on a desk: desk dictionary.
10. done at or based on a desk, as in an office or schoolroom: He used to be a traveling salesman, but now he has a desk job.

noun

1. a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
2. a service counter or table in a public building, such as a hotelinformation desk
3. a support, lectern, or book rest for the book from which services are read in a church
4. the editorial section of a newspaper, etc, responsible for a particular subjectthe news desk
5. 1. a music stand shared by two orchestral players
   2. these two players
6. (modifier)
   1. made for use at a deska desk calendar
   2. done at a deska desk job

n.

mid-14c., from Medieval Latin desca “table to write on” (mid-13c.), from Latin discus “quoit, platter, dish,” from Greek diskos. The Medieval Latin is perhaps via Italian desco. Used figuratively of office or clerical work since 1797; desk job is first attested 1965.