desktop

UK: ˈdɛsktɒp | US: ˈdɛsktɑːp

Definition

  1. n. 1. The top surface of a desk.

  2. n. 2. A computer interface displaying icons and windows, designed to resemble a physical desk workspace.

Structure
desk <furniture for writing/work>top <uppermost surface>
Etymology

The word "desktop" originated in the mid-19th century as a literal combination of "desk" (from Latin desca, meaning "table for writing") and "top" (Old English topp, meaning "summit or surface"). In the 1980s, it was adopted in computing to metaphorically describe the graphical user interface (GUI) that mimics a physical desk's workspace, with files and tools arranged on a "surface." This reflects the word's logical progression from a tangible object to a digital concept.

Examples

  1. She cleared her desktop to make space for her laptop.

  2. The new operating system features a customizable desktop.

  3. He left the documents scattered across his desktop.

  4. The desktop wallpaper showed a serene mountain landscape.

  5. Modern computers allow multiple virtual desktops for better organization.