furniture composed of a surface supported by a base, usually four legs^{[citation needed]}. 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 chairs. Unlike many earlier table designs, today's tables usually do not have drawers. A table specifically intended for working is a desk. Some tables have hinged extensions of the table top called drop leaves, while others can be extended with removable sections called leaves.

Contents [hide] 1 Etymology 2 Shape, height, and function 2.1 Types of table 3 History 4 See also 5 Footnotes 6 Further reading 7 External links

[edit] Etymology

The term "table" is derived from a merger of French table and Old English tabele, ultimately 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.^[1]

[edit] Shape, height, and function

A formally laid table set with a Meissen dinner service

Tables come in a wide variety of shapes, height, and materials, depending on their origin, style, and intended use. All tables are composed of a flat surface and a base with one or more supports, or legs. A table with a single, central foot is a pedestal table. Tables can be freestanding or designed for placement against a wall (a console table). Table tops can be in virtually any shape, although rectangular, square, round (e.g., the round table), and oval tops are the most frequent. Long tables often have extra legs for support. Others have higher surfaces for personal use while either standing or sitting on a tall stool.

Many tables have tops that can be adjusted to change their position or size, either with foldable extensions or sliding parts that can alter the shape of the top. Some tables are entirely foldable for easy transport, e.g., camping. Small tables in trains and aircraft may be fixed or foldable, although many are simply convenient shelves rather than tables.