Re: Nouns, verbs, adjectives... and why they're p

Nik Taylor wrote:
>
> Mathias M. Lassailly wrote:
> > *easier* ? i thought : *more logical* ? what is *easier* ? for whom ?
> > sorry, i'm not flaming, i just wonder whether you equate logics and
> > easyness, i would not be in.
>
> What I meant was that most nouns, such as "table" (at least in *natural*
> languages) cannot be defined precisely, but a few, especially scientific
> terms like _felis domesticus_, and, to a lesser extent, common nouns
> like "cat" (which can refer to the species _felis domesticus_ or to the
> family _felinidae) (sp?), essentially, several precise definitions piled
> onto one word).
Is this precise enough? ... (from WordNet;
they see "desk" as a hyponym of "table"):

> table#2 -- (a piece of furniture having a smooth flat top supported by one or more
> vertical legs; "it was a sturdy table")
> -- altar#1, communion table#1, Lord's table#1 -- (the table in Christian
> churches where communion is given)
> -- booth#1 -- (a table (in a restaurant or bar) surrounded by two high-backed benches)
> -- breakfast table#1 -- (a table where breakfast is eaten)
> -- card table#2 -- (a small light table with folding legs; can be folded for storage)
> -- card table#1 -- (a table for playing cards (as in a casino))
> -- coffee table#1, cocktail table#1 -- (low table where magazines can be placed
> and coffee or cocktails are served)
> -- conference table#1, council table#1, council board#1 -- (the table that
> conferees sit around as they hold a meeting)
> -- console table#1, console#1 -- (a small table fixed to a wall or designed to
> stand against a wall)
> -- counter#1 -- (horizontal surface over which business is transacted)
> ---- bar#2 -- (a counter where you can purchase food or drink)
> ---- checkout#3, checkout counter#1 -- (a counter in a supermarket where you pay
> for your purchases)
> ---- meat counter#1 -- (a counter where meats are displayed for sale)
> ---- notions counter#1 -- (counter where notions are sold)
> ---- reception desk#1 -- (a counter (as in a hotel) where guests are received)
> -- desk#1 -- (a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers
> or other compartments)
> ---- davenport#1 -- (a small decorative writing desk)
> ---- secretary#4, writing table#1, escritoire#1, secretaire#1 -- (a piece of
> furniture used for a writing desk)
> ---- writing desk#2 -- (usually with a sloping top)
> -- dressing table#1, vanity#4, toilet table#1 -- (low table with mirror or
> mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup)
> -- drop-leaf table#1 -- (a table that has a drop leaf)
> ---- gate-leg table#1 -- (a drop-leaf table with leaves supported by gated legs)
> -- gaming table#1 -- (a table used for gambling; may be equipped with a
> gameboard and slots for chips)
> -- gueridon#1 -- (a small round table)
> -- kitchen table#1 -- (a table in the kitchen)
> -- operating table#1 -- (the table on which the patient lies during a surgical operation)
> -- Parsons table#1 -- ((Parsons School of Design in New York) a sturdy
> rectangular table with block legs at the four corners)
> -- pedestal table#1 -- (a table supported by a single central column)
> ---- tilt-top table#1, tip-top table#1, tip table#1 -- (a pedestal table whose
> top is hinged so that it can be tilted to a vertical position)
> -- pier table#1 -- (a low table set below a pier glass)
> -- platen#1 -- (the bed of a machine tool to which the work is clamped)
> -- pool table#1, billiard table#1, snooker table#1 -- (a heavy table on which pool is played)
> -- Round Table#2 -- (the legendary circular table for King Arthur and his knights)
> -- stand#4 -- (a small table for holding articles of various kinds: "a bedside stand")
> ---- lectern#1, reading desk#1 -- (a desk or stand with a slanted top used to
> hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer)
> -- tea table#1 -- (a small table for serving afternoon tea)
> -- trestle table#1 -- (a table supported on trestles)
> -- worktable#1, work table#1 -- (a table designed for a particular task)
> ---- drafting table#1, drawing table#1 -- (a table with adjustable top)
> ---- workbench#1, work bench#1, bench#5 -- (a strong work table for a carpenter or mechanic)