tab|let

tab|let «TAB liht», noun, verb, -let|ed, -let|ing or -let|ted, -let|ting.

–n.

1. a number of sheets of writing paper fastened together at one edge, often with a stiff back and a cover; pad: »

A tablet of scratch paper was kept near the telephone.

2. a) a small, flat piece of medicine or candy; pill; lozenge: »

That box contains twelve aspirin tablets.

b) British. a cake of soap.

3. a small, flat surface with an inscription or bas-relief: »

The Hall of Fame is a building that has many tablets in memory of famous people. Idealism…is not static, not something writ on tablets, but a constantly developing attitude of heart and mind capable of embracing and giving new meaning to twentieth century society (Listener).

4. a small, smooth place of stone, wood, ivory, or other material, used in ancient times to write or draw on; sheet or slab. A tablet was covered with wax or clay and often hinged with another. The ancient Romans used tablets as pads of paper.

–v.t.

1. to make into a tablet or tablets: »

Their figures did not include the cost of tableting and distributing the bulk powder (New Yorker).

2. to furnish with a tablet or tablets: »

[The] chapel [is] tableted with the names of some who have died in their country's service (Westminster Gazette).

╂[< Old French tablete, later tablette < table; see etym. under tablature (Cf. ↑tablature)]