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tab·let

(tăblĭt)

1. A slab or plaque, as of stone or ivory, with a surface that is intended for or bears an inscription.

a. A thin sheet or leaf, used as a writing surface.

b. A set of such leaves fastened together, as in a book.

c. A pad of writing paper glued together along one edge.

d. A lightweight, portable computer having a touchscreen as the method by which data is input.

3. A small flat pellet of medication to be taken orally.

4. A small flat cake of a prepared substance, such as soap.

tr.v. tab·let·ed, tab·let·ing, tab·lets

1. To inscribe on a tablet.

2. To form into a tablet.

[Middle English tablette, from Old French tablete, diminutive of table, table; see TABLE.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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