desktop computer
- noun
- /ˈdɛskˌtɒp kəmˈpjuːtər/
- In the far corner, a rickety desk held a desktop computer and printer.
- laptop or desktop computer
- use a desktop computer
Most of us have laptops or desktop computers that now have cameras front facing.
- Most of us have laptops or desktop computers that now have cameras front facing.
- Not only that what tools there were could be done on a desktop computer, but couldn't be made to happen in a browser.
- The issue that we run into is that these devices use very small amounts of it, and desktop computers need a lot.
- Where there were more products than ever being made and desktop computers, graphics cards, everything else.
- Feels like I'm filming an ad for desktop computers.
- It's like, it's clear that PCs were dominating for several decades, like desktop computers and then mobile.
Examples
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We may use a desktop computer in addition to a laptop, a tablet, and/or even a cell phone.
Academic text (2011) -
Most of us have laptops or desktop computers that now have cameras front facing.
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And we have a desktop computer, but we put this one together rather quickly.
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We're going to have to go take this back to the old department because the desktop computer is still there.
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Another benefit is the ability to monitor a program from a desktop computer while seeking telephone support for a problem.
Academic text (1998) -
The choice of a desktop computer as opposed to a laptop device was deliberate.
Academic text (2001) -
Every participant worked individually at a desktop computer with headphones.
Academic text (2015) -
Images from SVHS videotapes were transferred to a desktop computer and separated into frames from a Panasonic AG-DS850 videocassette.
Academic text (2011) -
If ever there was a time to purchase a desktop computer, this is definitely it.
Synonyms
A small computer for one person to use at home or work
A small machine one person uses to work, study, or play
A personal computer that sits on a desk and is not carried
A small computer for one person that uses a small chip to run programs
Antonyms
How Portable
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning of 'desktop computer' is directly compositional from 'desktop' (a stationary device for desk use) and 'computer' (an electronic data-processing device), so a learner who knows both words can easily infer a computer intended for desk use. This noun-noun compound follows a regular, cross-linguistically common pattern (e.g., French 'ordinateur de bureau', Spanish 'ordenador de sobremesa'), making it immediately comprehensible to B1 learners.
Etymology
Desktop computer is named for the desk where the computer sits — picture a machine with its screen and keyboard placed on top of a desk. Because it is made to stay in one place and be used at a desk, the name now means 'a personal computer' with a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse.