Definition of desk

The word "desk" has a long and fascinating history. The first recorded use of the word "desk" dates back to the 14th century, derived from the Old English words "dæg" meaning "day" and "stān" meaning "stone". Initially, a "desk" referred to a flat stone or slab used as a workplace or altar. This sense of the word evolved from a Latin phrase "disceos", meaning "for sitting or instruction", which described a type of ancient Greek and Roman teacher's chair or bench. Over time, the term "desk" expanded to include any fixed or movable piece of furniture used for writing, studying, or working. Today, a desk is a common piece of office furniture, but its origins reveal a rich history of learning and intellectual pursuits.