Screen

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /skɹiːn/

Definitions

1. A physical structure used to divide or block an area ; to show images or information on a surface, such as a monitor or projector ; to assess or test for specific qualities or conditions ; to shield from unwanted elements or exposure
2. An object that acts as a divider or shield in a space ; the act of presenting visual content electronically or graphically ; the process of reviewing or filtering to select or exclude ; to provide protection by blocking or hiding something
3. A device or panel that separates or conceals ; the method of exhibiting visual media ; the act of conducting evaluations or inspections ; to guard or cover to prevent harm or intrusion

Etymology: The screen you watch today began as a barrier against heat and draughts. Middle English "scren" meant a windscreen or firescreen, a shield placed between a fire and the room. It came from Old French "escren", which also gave modern French "écran", and before that from Middle Dutch "scherm", meaning a shelter or covering. The deeper root is a Germanic word for fur or covering, which shows up today in German "Schirm", meaning umbrella or screen. Dutch "scherm" is a close relative, so English "screen" and "scherm" are doublets, two words descended from the same source that entered the language by different routes. Some scholars instead trace the French form to an Old Dutch word for a barrier or palisade, related to German "Schranke", meaning fence. The two explanations point to the same idea: something placed to block or hide what lies behind it.

Synonyms: display, monitor, shield, filter, partition

Antonyms: reveal, expose, show, uncover, disclose