Desktop

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

desktop
    n 1: the top of a desk
    2: (computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user
       interfaces against which icons and windows appear [syn:
       {background}, {desktop}, {screen background}]

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

desktop

   1. <operating system> In a {WIMP} {graphical user interface},
   the visual representation of a real desktop (the top surface
   of a piece of furniture) with documents, folders and a rubbish
   bin arranged on it.  The user manipulates files on the
   computer by using a {mouse} to {click} and {drag} their
   representations ({icons}) on the desktop.

   The WIMP interface and desktop metaphor was invented at {Xerox
   PARC} and popularised by the {Apple Macintosh}.

   2. <computer> {desktop computer}.

   (2007-09-12)