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Webster 1913 Edition


Tableau


Taˊbleau′

(tȧˊblō′ E. tăb′lōˊ; 277)
,
Noun.
;
pl.
Tableaux
(tȧˊblō′ E. tăb′lōzˊ)
.
[F., dim. fr. L.
tabula
a painting. See
Table
.]
1.
A striking and vivid representation; a picture.
2.
A representation of some scene by means of persons grouped in the proper manner, placed in appropriate postures, and remaining silent and motionless.

Definition 2024


tableau

tableau

English

Noun

tableau (plural tableaux or tableaus)

  1. A striking and vivid representation; a picture.
    • 2014, Paul Salopek, Blessed. Cursed. Claimed., National Geographic (December 2014)
      Stefania Chlouveraki, the project leader, stands at a long sorting table. She turns the colored fragments over and over in her fingertips. She fits each one into its place: a magnificent tableau of lions, crosses, pomegranate trees.
  2. A vivid graphic scene of a group of people arranged as in a painting or bas relief sculpture.
  3. (card games) Mostly in solitaire card games, but also in other card and board games, the main area, where random cards can be arranged.

Translations


French

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ta.blo/
  • Rhymes: -o

Noun

tableau m (plural tableaux)

  1. painting
  2. picture (a captured image)
  3. writing board
  4. table (arrangement of rows and columns)
  5. chart

Derived terms