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In Latin, both "tabula" and "mensa" mean "table". What is the difference between them?

Question #148976. Asked by chabenao1.
Last updated Aug 19 2022.
Originally posted Aug 18 2022 11:06 PM.

looney_tunes

Answer has 5 votes

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looney_tunes

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19 year member
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Answer has 5 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Table is only one possible word to translate each of these words. Mensa refers to the entire structure of a table or altar, but also to its use - the food that is placed on it, the act of eating, and those who participate. It can also refer to a counter.

https://www.online-latin-dictionary.com/latin-english-dictionary.php?parola=mensa

Tabula, on the other hand, refers to the flat surface, and can be applied to many other flat surfaces - the wood or other material does not even have to be horizontal, it could be the panel in a door, or the flat surface on which something is drawn or painted or etched.

https://www.online-latin-dictionary.com/latin-english-dictionary.php?parola=tabula

Aug 19 2022, 2:01 AM

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In Latin, both "tabula" and "mensa" mean "table". What is the difference between them?

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