Deck

Definition

Deck refers to a flat surface, often made of wood, that is built outdoors, typically attached to a building or part of a ship. It can also refer to a pack of cards used for playing games or a presentation made of multiple slides or images in business contexts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɛk/
• Respelling: DEK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɛk/
• Respelling: DEK

The pronunciation of "deck" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "deck" comes from the Middle Dutch word "dec" or "dek," meaning "covering" or "roof." It entered the English language in the late 15th century, primarily in the nautical sense, referring to the platforms on a ship. The term later expanded to include outdoor platforms on buildings and packs of cards.

Derivatives

• Decked (adjective)
• Decking (noun)
• Deckhand (noun)
• Double-decker (noun)
• Deck out (verb)

Synonyms

• Platform
• Terrace
• Patio

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "deck" is used in various contexts, including construction, nautical terminology, card games, and business. In construction, it refers to an outdoor floor structure typically attached to a house or building. On ships, a deck refers to any flat surface covering the hull, often serving as a working or living space. In card games, a deck refers to a complete set of cards used for playing games. In business, a deck is a collection of slides or images used in presentations to communicate ideas or information.

Related Terms

• Balcony: A platform projecting from the wall of a building, typically on an upper floor.
• Bridge: The control center of a ship, sometimes referring to the raised deck area.
• Slide deck: A series of slides used in presentations.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A flat surface or platform attached to a building: Refers to an outdoor area often made of wood, used for sitting or recreational activities.
  • Example: "They built a new deck behind their house for summer barbecues."
• A platform on a ship: Describes the horizontal surfaces on ships where people can stand or work.
  • Example: "The captain stood on the upper deck overseeing the crew."
• A pack of playing cards: Refers to the set of cards used in games.
  • Example: "He shuffled the deck of cards before dealing."
• A collection of slides for presentations: Used in business contexts to describe a series of presentation slides.
  • Example: "The marketing team prepared a deck for the product launch presentation."