stack

UK: stæk | US: stæk

Definition

  1. n. an orderly pile of objects, typically one on top of another

  2. vt. to arrange objects in a stack

  3. n. (computing) a data structure that follows last-in-first-out (LIFO) principles

Structure
st <stand>ack <heap>
Etymology

The word "stack" traces back to Old Norse stakkr ("haystack"), likely influenced by Old English staca ("stake"). It originally referred to a vertical pile of hay or grain, later generalized to any orderly heap. The computing sense emerged in the mid-20th century, metaphorically extending the idea of layered storage.

Examples

  1. She neatly arranged the books in a tall stack.

  2. Farmers stack hay bales in the barn before winter.

  3. The program uses a stack to manage function calls.

  4. A stack of paperwork covered his desk.

  5. Stack the chairs against the wall after the meeting.