'Shelf' definitions:
Definition of 'shelf'
From: WordNet
noun
A support that consists of a horizontal surface for holding objects
noun
A projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water [syn: ledge, shelf]
Definition of 'Shelf'
From: GCIDE
- Shelf \Shelf\, n.; pl. Shelves. [OE. shelfe, schelfe, AS. scylfe; akin to G. schelfe, Icel. skj[=a]lf. In senses 2 & 3, perhaps a different word (cf. Shelve, v. i.).]
- 1. (Arch.) A flat tablet or ledge of any material set horizontally at a distance from the floor, to hold objects of use or ornament. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A sand bank in the sea, or a rock, or ledge of rocks, rendering the water shallow, and dangerous to ships. [1913 Webster]
- On the tawny sands and shelves. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- On the secret shelves with fury cast. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Mining) A stratum lying in a very even manner; a flat, projecting layer of rock. [1913 Webster]
- 4. (Naut.) A piece of timber running the whole length of a vessel inside the timberheads. --D. Kemp. [1913 Webster]
- To lay on the shelf, to lay aside as unnecessary or useless; to dismiss; to discard. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'shelf'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- archives,
- armory,
- arsenal,
- attic,
- band,
- bank,
- bar,
- basement,
- bay,
- beam-end,
- bed,
- bedding,
- belt,
- bin,
- bonded warehouse,
- bookcase,
- box,
- bunker,
- buttery,
- cargo dock,
- cellar,
- chest,
- closet,
- conservatory,
- coral reef,
- corbel,
- couche,
- course,
- crate,
- crib,
- cupboard,
- deck,
- depository,
- depot,
- dock,
- drawer,
- dump,
- exchequer,
- flat,
- floor,
- ford,
- gallery,
- glory hole,
- godown,
- gradin,
- gradino,
- hob,
- hold,
- hutch,
- layer,
- ledge,
- level,
- library,
- locker,
- lumber room,
- lumberyard,
- magasin,
- magazine,
- mantel,
- mantelshelf,
- measures,
- overlayer,
- overstory,
- predella,
- rack,
- reef,
- repertory,
- repository,
- reservoir,
- retable,
- rick,
- sandbank,
- sandbar,
- seam,
- shallow,
- shallows,
- shoal,
- shoal water,
- shoulder,
- stack,
- stack room,
- stage,
- step,
- stock room,
- storage,
- store,
- storehouse,
- storeroom,
- story,
- stratum,
- substratum,
- superaltar,
- superstratum,
- supply base,
- supply depot,
- tank,
- thickness,
- tidal flats,
- tier,
- topsoil,
- treasure house,
- treasure room,
- treasury,
- underlayer,
- understory,
- understratum,
- vat,
- vault,
- warehouse,
- wetlands,
- wine cellar,
- zone