1.  desktop(n = noun.location) - the top of a desk;

2.  desktop(n = noun.artifact) background, screen background - (computer science) the area of the screen in graphical user interfaces against which icons and windows appear;

desktop, n.
1 the working surface of a desk.
2 (attrib.) (esp. of a microcomputer) suitable for use at an ordinary desk.

Idiom:
desktop publishing the production of printed matter with a desktop computer and printer.