Definition

In client/server applications, a thin client is designed to be especially small so that the bulk of the data processing occurs on the server.

Unlike a typical PC – that has the memory, storage and computing power on its own – a thin client usually refers to software: a virtual desktop that is designed to serve as the client for client/server architectures.

With thin clients, the desktop environment is run on the server, and then remotely displayed on the thin client. You need to manage this on the server with a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) – software that creates the desktop images, stores them on servers and sends them over the network to the thin clients.

A thin client does not contain a hard drive, DVD or CD-ROM, a fan or other moving parts, so it is typically smaller and cheaper than traditional PCs or notebooks.

via A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary.