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For other uses, see Table (disambiguation) . A table is a piece of Furniture composed of a horizontal surface and a base. It is often used to hold objects or Food at a convenient or comfortable height when Sitting . Generic tables are typically meant for combined use with Chair s. Tables do not normally have drawers, but when they do, they are variously called Commode s, Lowboy s or Dresser s. A table specifically intended for working is a Desk . ETYMOLOGY The term "table" is derived from a merger of French ''table'' and Old English ''tabele'' (related to Old High German ''zabel'' and Modern German ''Tafel''), both of which are ultimately derived from the Latin word ''tabula'' "a board, plank, flat piece". In Late Latin , ''tabula'' took over the meaning previously reserved to ''mensa'' (preserved in Spanish ''mesa'' "table"). In Old English, the word replaced ''bord'' for this meaning. Etymonline SHAPE, HEIGHT, AND FUNCTION Tables come in a wide variety of shapes, height, and material, depending on their origin, style and intended use. All tables are composed of a flat surface and a base that may comprise of one or more legs. The surface may be virtually of any shape, although Rectangular , Square , round (a Round Table ) and Oval tops are the most frequent. A table may be freestanding or meant to be placed against a wall (a console table). It might have more or less than four legs. A table with a single, central foot is a Pedestal table. Long tables often have extra feet for support. Some tables have higher surfaces for standing at, or sitting with a tall Stool . For some tables the top surface can be adjusted in size, with a part that is foldable or can slide under the rest. Some tables are entirely foldable for easy transport, e.g. Camping . Small tables in Train s and Plane s may be fixed or foldable, although they are usually some sort of Shelf rather than a table. Tables across the world Traditional Japan ese tables, called ''chabudai'', are low, sometimes round, and used to serve Tea and food.--> Types of table Tables of various shape and size are used for specific uses:
Historically, various types of tables have been popular through western history:
USES A table can be used temporarily for objects such as Food and eating utensils during a Meal , Cup s for Drink s, a Book (especially a big one, that one can not easily keep in one's hands), a spread-out Map , writing Paper during Writing , and anything that requires having several objects at hand, including various Hobbies . Tables are frequently used to drop small items such as Keychain s or Pen s until further use. Tables sometimes substitute for other pieces of furniture, such as Chairs and Beds that require little more than a flat surface to accomplish their basic goal. Things may also be put more permanently on a table, for example a TV , Computer , objects for Decoration (such as Vase s or Tablecloth s) etc. Table Setting s of food are laid out in a traditional arrangement. Wooden tables are often used in Hardcore Wrestling matches. They are used for wrestlers to be slammed through, and very rarely are they used as weapons after they are broken. HISTORY The first tables were made and used by the Egyptians , and were little more than metal or stone platforms used to keep objects off the floor. They were not used for seating people. Food was put on large plates deposed on a pedestal for eating. The Egyptians made use of various small tables and elevated playing boards. The Greeks and Romans made more frequent use of tables, notably for eating, although Greek tables were pushed under the beds after use. The Greeks invented a piece of furniture very similar to the Guéridon . Tables were made of Marble or Wood and Metal (typically Bronze or Silver Alloy s). Later, the larger rectangular tables were made of separate Platform s and Pillar s. The Romans also introduced a large, semicircular table to Italy , the ''mensa lunata''. Furniture during the Middle Ages is not as well-known as that of earlier or later periods,and most sources show the types used by the nobility. In the Eastern Roman Empire , tables were made of metal or wood, usually with four feet frequently linked by x-shaped stretchers. Tables for eating were large, usually round or semicircular. A combination of a small round table and a Lectern seemed very popular as a writing tableHeyward, p20. In western Europe, the invasions and intestine wars caused most of the knowledge inherited from the classical era to be lost. As a result of the necessary movability, most tables were simply boards on Trestle s, although small round tables made from Joinery reappeared during the 15th century and onward. In the Gothic era, the Chest became widespread an was often used as a table. Refectory tables first appeared in the 16th century as an evolution of the trestle table. REFERENCES NOTES SEE ALSO |
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