Main Entry:

shelf

Pronunciation:

\ˈshelf\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural shelves \ˈshelvz\

Etymology:

Middle English, probably from Old English scylfe; akin to Old Norse hlīthskjalf Odin's seat

Date:

14th century

1 a: a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects b: one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure c: the contents of a shelf <the author of a shelf of best sellers>2: something resembling a shelf in form or position: as a: a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged b: a flat projecting layer of rock c: the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : continental shelf

— shelf·ful \ˈshelf-ˌfu̇l\ noun

— shelf·like \ˈshelf-ˌlīk\ adjective

— off the shelf

: available from stock : not made to order <off the shelf equipment>

— on the shelf

: in a state of inactivity or uselessness