Stack \Stack\ (st[a^]k), n. [Icel. stakkr; akin to Sw. stack,
Dan. stak. Cf. Stake.]
1. A large and to some degree orderly pile of hay, grain,
straw, or the like, usually of a nearly conical form, but
sometimes rectangular or oblong, contracted at the top to
a point or ridge, and sometimes covered with thatch.
[1913 Webster]
But corn was housed, and beans were in the stack.
--Cowper.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence: An orderly pile of any type of object, indefinite
in quantity; -- used especially of piles of wood. A stack
is usually more orderly than a pile
[1913 Webster +PJC]
Against every pillar was a stack of billets above a
man's height. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
3. Specifically: A pile of wood containing 108 cubic feet.
[Eng.]
[1913 Webster]
4. Hence: A large quantity; as, a stack of cash. [Informal]
[PJC]
5. (Arch.)
(a) A number of flues embodied in one structure, rising
above the roof. Hence:
(b) Any single insulated and prominent structure, or
upright pipe, which affords a conduit for smoke; as,
the brick smokestack of a factory; the smokestack of a
steam vessel.
[1913 Webster]
6. (Computer programming)
(a) A section of memory in a computer used for temporary
storage of data, in which the last datum stored is the
first retrieved.
(b) A data structure within random-access memory used to
simulate a hardware stack; as, a push-down stack.
[PJC]
7. pl. The section of a library containing shelves which hold
books less frequently requested.
[PJC]
Stack of arms (Mil.), a number of muskets or rifles set up
together, with the bayonets crossing one another, forming
a sort of conical self-supporting pile.
to blow one's stacks to become very angry and lose one's
self-control, and especially to display one's fury by
shouting.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
|