any of a number of forms of musical notation, esp for playing the lute, consisting of letters and signs indicating rhythm and fingering
2.
an engraved or painted tablet or other flat surface
Word origin
C16: from French, ultimately from Latin tabulātum wooden floor, from tabula a plank
tablature in American English
(ˈtæblətʃər)
noun
1.
a method of notation for guitar or ukulele in which vertical lines represent the strings, horizontal lines represent the frets, and dots on these lines indicate finger placement
2. Archaic
a flat surface or tablet with an inscription, painting, or design on it
Word origin
Fr < ML tabulatura < tabulatus, tablet < LL tabulare, to provide with a table < L tabula: see table