desk dictionary
- noun
- /dɛsk ˈdɪkʃənɛri/
:
diccionario de escritorio
- She reached for her desk dictionary to check the spelling of the word.
Examples
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His battered old desk dictionary sat beside his computer for easy reference.
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Her desk dictionary is filled with useful definitions.
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A desk dictionary is handy when you need a quick definition while writing.
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I need a desk dictionary for my studies.
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A desk dictionary is handy when you need a quick definition while writing.
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His battered old desk dictionary sat beside his computer for easy reference.
-
She reached for her desk dictionary to check the spelling of the word.
Synonyms
165
1.0
A book or website that lists words and shows their meanings
1
2.5
A small book of words you can carry in your pocket or bag
1
9.9
A short informal name for a book or app that gives word meanings
A small book for students that gives short clear meanings of words
How Comprehensive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a dictionary for use at a desk' is directly and transparently built from 'desk' (a workspace surface) + 'dictionary' (a book of word entries); the compound simply denotes the function/place of the dictionary. This noun+noun composition follows common, cross-linguistic compounding patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the intended sense.
Etymology
The name desk dictionary comes from a small dictionary kept on a desk so writers and workers could reach it easily. So it means a short, handy book for 'quick reference' while you write or work.