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desk

n. · v.
US //ˈdɛsk// UK //dˈɛsk// desk
  1. 1 furniture (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a piece of furniture like a table, often with drawers, used for reading, writing, or using a computer.

    a piece of furniture with a flat or sloping surface and typically with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work.

    Example

    I keep my laptop and a lamp on my desk in the bedroom.

    Example

    The executive requested a larger mahogany desk to accommodate multiple monitors and a dedicated space for physical paperwork.
  2. 2 service counter (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a counter in a public building, like a hotel or airport, where you get information or help.

    a counter or booth in a public building where specific services or information are provided to customers or travelers.

    Example

    Please check in at the front desk when you arrive at the hotel.

    Example

    Upon entering the terminal, passengers should proceed directly to the information desk to confirm their gate assignment.
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  1. 3 department (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a specific section or department in a large organization, like a newspaper or a bank.

    a specialized department or section within a larger organization, particularly in journalism or financial services.

    Example

    He works for the city desk at the local newspaper.

    Example

    The foreign desk coordinated with several international correspondents to ensure comprehensive coverage of the election results.
  2. 4 orchestra station (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

    a shared music stand and seating area for two players in an orchestra.

    a position in an orchestral string section consisting of a music stand shared by two players.

    Example

    She was promoted to the first desk of the violin section.

    Example

    The conductor noticed that the third desk of the cello section was slightly out of sync during the adagio movement.
  3. 5 to reject without review (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic Formal

    to reject a piece of writing immediately without sending it to experts for review.

    to reject a manuscript or article upon initial receipt without sending it out for formal peer review.

    Example

    The editor decided to desk the article because it didn't fit the journal's theme.

    Example

    The paper was desk-rejected within forty-eight hours because the methodology failed to meet the publication's rigorous statistical standards.

    Usage

    Often used in the compound form 'desk-reject'.
Origin

From Middle English deske, desque, from Medieval Latin desca, modified from Old Italian desco, from Latin discus. Doublet of dais, disc, discus, dish, disk, and diskos. See also German Tisch, "table".

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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