Webster's English Dictionary

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shelf

shelf \'shelf\ \'shelvz\ \'shel-.fli-k\ n or shelves [ME, prob. fr. OE 
   scylfe; akin to L scalpere, sculpere to car] pl ve, OE sciell shell 1a: a 
   thin flat usu. long and narrow piece of wood or other material fasten ed 
   horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects 
   1b: one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structu 
   re 1c: the contents of a shelf  2: something resembling a shelf in form or 
   position : as  2a: a sandbank or ledge of rocks usu. partially submerged  
   2b: a stratum with a shelflike surface  2c: a flat projecting layer of rock 
    : in a state of inactivity or uselessness  - shelf.like aj