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}]
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)