n. pl. shelves (shĕlvz) Idioms: 1. a. A flat, usually rectangular structure composed of a rigid material, such as wood, glass, or metal, fixed at right angles to a wall or other vertical surface and used to hold or store objects. b. The contents or capacity of such a structure. c. Something, such as a projecting ledge of rock or a balcony, that resembles such a structure. 2. A reef, sandbar, or shoal. 3. Bedrock. off the shelf From ready-made merchandise in stock: supplies that were available off the shelf. on the shelf 1. In a state of disuse or inactivity: The injured goalie has been on the shelf for weeks. 2. Out of consideration: The finance bill is on the shelf until next year. [Middle English, probably from Middle Low German schelf; see skel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] shelfful′ n. |
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