tab

tab¹

/tab/, n., v., tabbed, tabbing.

n.

1. a small flap, strap, loop, or similar appendage, as on a garment, used for pulling, hanging, or decoration.

2. a tag or label.

3. a small projection from a card, paper, or folder, used as an aid in filing.

4. Informal. a bill, as for a meal in a restaurant; check.

5. a small piece attached or intended to be attached, as to an automobile license plate.

6. a small flap or tongue of material used to seal or close the opening of a container.

7. Also called tabulator. a stop on a typewriter, actuated by a key, that moves the carriage, typing element, etc., a predetermined number of spaces, used for typing material in columns, for fixed indentations, etc.

8. a programmed command on a computer, actuated by a key, that moves the cursor or printhead a predetermined number of spaces, used for keying material in columns, for fixed indentations, etc.

9. Theat.

a. a small, often narrow, drop curtain, for masking part of the stage.

b. See tableau curtain.

10. Aeron. a small airfoil hinged to the rear portion of a control surface, as to an elevator, aileron, or rudder. Cf. trim tab.

11. keep tabs or tab on, Informal. to keep an account of; check on; observe: The police kept tabs on the suspect's activities.

v.t.

12. to furnish or ornament with a tab or tabs.

13. to name or designate.

v.i.

14. Also, tabulate. to operate the tab function on a typewriter or computer.

[1600-10; (in defs. 1-3, 5) < ?; (in defs. 7 and 8) short for TABULATOR; (in def. 9) short for TABLEAU; (in defs. 4 and 11) partly from shortening of TABLE, partly in sense of def. 1]

tab²

/tab/, n. Informal.

1. tabloid (def. 1).

2. Slang. a tablet, as of a drug or medication.

[by shortening]

* * *