capstan table: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “capstan table” mean?
A revolving circular table, historically used by engineers or cartographers, often found on ships for large charts or maps.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A revolving circular table, historically used by engineers or cartographers, often found on ships for large charts or maps.
Any sturdy, circular, revolving table or stand, sometimes found in antique furniture or specialised drafting/design contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally archaic in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in historical naval or engineering texts.
Connotations
Historical, maritime, technical, possibly antique or collectible.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both; its usage is confined to niche historical or antique descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “capstan table” in a Sentence
The [adjective] capstan table was used for [gerund/noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used in historical or maritime studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in antique furniture or historical naval equipment descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capstan table”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capstan table”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capstan table”
- Confusing it with a 'capstan' (the winch) alone, or miswriting as 'capstone table'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar, but a 'capstan table' specifically implies a nautical or engineering purpose for holding charts/tools, while a 'drum table' is a general furniture style.
It would be historically inaccurate. Modern items are typically called 'revolving desks' or 'Lazy Susans'.
Because its central rotating mechanism is reminiscent of a ship's capstan (a vertical winch).
No, it's a very low-frequency, specialist term. It's useful for specific historical interests but not for general English.
A revolving circular table, historically used by engineers or cartographers, often found on ships for large charts or maps.
Capstan table is usually technical, historical in register.
Capstan table: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkap.stən ˌteɪ.bəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæp.stən ˌteɪ.bəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship's CAPtain STANDing at a revolving TABLE with a large map.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FUNCTIONAL OBJECT IS A TOOL (specialised for a specific rotating purpose).
Practice
Quiz
Where would you most likely find a 'capstan table'?