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sheika
sheikh
sheitel
shekel
Shekhinah
sheldgoose
sheldrake
shelduck
shelf
shelf fungus
shelf ice
shelf life
shelf mark
shelf screamer
shelf talker
shell
shell bean
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shelf

shelf [ shelf ] (plural shelves [ shelvz ])


noun 
Definition:
 
1. flat surface for holding objects: a flat, usually rectangular board on which things are stored or displayed. It can be attached to a wall or can form part of a cabinet.

2. contents of shelf: the contents of a shelf, or the quantity of something that a shelf holds

3. geography ledge on landscape: a ledge of rock, ice, or sand

4. mineral extract layer of underground rock: a layer of underground rock encountered when sinking a shaft

5. archery heel of hand: the part of the heel of the hand on which the back end of an arrow is supported before being fired from a bow

[14th century. < Low German schelf]

shelf·ful noun

be (left) on the shelf 

1. 
to be thought too old to have any chance of marryingsometimes offensive
 

2. 
to be no longer wanted, used, or taken account of


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