desktop English · revision 15091

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1873}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈdesk.tɒp/, US /ˈdesk.tɑːp/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a compound, [[af|en|desk|top]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The top of a desk: 1873 in Etymonline, 1925 in Merriam-Webster.^(Etymonline)^(MW Collegiate)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ As an adjective, suitable for use on a desk, it is recorded by 1952.^(Etymonline) As short for desktop computer it is from 1983, and ''desktop publishing'' from 1984.^(Etymonline) The working area of a computer screen, seen as a notional desk, is also called the desktop.^(COED 2004)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1873 – the top of a desk.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1952 – desktop (adjective).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1983 – a desktop computer.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1984 – desktop publishing.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The top surface of a desk.^(AHD)^(COED 2004)

+ # A computer small enough to use at an ordinary desk.^(COED 2004)^(Chambers 2008)

+ # The main screen display of a computer, from which programs are run and windows opened.^(Collins 2023)^(COED 2004)

+

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Designed for use on a desk or table.^(AHD)^(Chambers 2008)

+ # Small enough to fit in an individual workspace.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[desktop publishing]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[desk]]

+ * [[top]]

+ * [[laptop]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}