desktop

Etymology

desk + top.

noun

  1. The top surface of a desk.
  2. (computing) A desktop computer.
    Laptops are often more expensive than desktops.
  3. (computing) A personal computer, as opposed to computers for business or server purposes.
  4. (computing, graphical user interface) The main graphical user interface of an operating system, usually displaying icons, windows and background wallpaper.
    I installed a new application and it added its icon to my desktop.
    Important menus, such as the root menu or Workspace menu, are "pinnable," which means that you can pin them up and keep them on your desktop […] 1994, Linda Mui, Valerie Quercia, X User Tools, page 312
  5. (computing, graphical user interface, synecdoche) The wallpaper of this interface.
    For quotations using this term, see Citations:desktop.

adj

  1. Designed for use on a desk or similar piece of furniture.
  2. (computing) Of an application or website, designed to be run or viewed on a personal computer.
    desktop browser

Attribution / Disclaimer All definitions come directly from Wiktionary using the Wiktextract library. We do not edit or curate the definitions for any words, if you feel the definition listed is incorrect or offensive please suggest modifications directly to the source (wiktionary/desktop), any changes made to the source will update on this page periodically.