screen
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the flat surface on a television, computer, or phone where you see images.
n.the physical surface on which visual information or images are displayed in electronic devices.
Simple“He spent the whole afternoon staring at his computer screen.”
In context“The high-resolution screen provides exceptional clarity, making it ideal for professional photographers who need to see fine details in their work.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a light wall or piece of furniture used to hide something or divide a room.
n.a movable or fixed partition used to provide shelter, privacy, or to divide a space.
Simple“She changed her clothes behind a wooden screen in the corner of the room.”
In context“The architect used a perforated metal screen to provide privacy for the balcony while still allowing natural light to filter into the apartment.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a frame with fine wire that lets air through but keeps insects out.
n.a frame containing a mesh of wire or plastic, used to prevent the passage of insects or to separate particles by size.
Simple“We should fix the screen on the window before the mosquitoes come inside.”
In context“The industrial screen was designed to filter out large debris from the water supply before it reached the treatment plant.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to test or examine someone to see if they have a disease or are suitable for a job.
v.to carry out a systematic investigation or medical test on a group of people to identify specific characteristics or risks.
Simple“The hospital will screen all new patients for the virus.”
In context“The recruitment agency will screen all applicants thoroughly to ensure they meet the strict security requirements for the government position.”
- 05 B1 Intermediate
v.to show a movie or television programme to an audience.
v.to project or broadcast a film or television programme for public viewing.
Simple“The local cinema plans to screen the new documentary next Tuesday.”
In context“The film festival will screen over fifty independent features, many of which have never been seen by a domestic audience before.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to hide something or protect it from being seen.
v.to conceal or protect something from view or from a physical threat.
Simple“A row of tall trees was planted to screen the house from the busy road.”
In context“The military used smoke to screen their movements from the enemy during the tactical retreat across the valley.”
Usage screen time · screen use
From Middle English scren, screne (“windscreen, firescreen”), from Anglo-Norman escren (“firescreen, the tester of a bed”), Old French escren, escrein, escran (modern French écran (“screen”)), from Middle Dutch scherm, from Old Dutch skirm, from Proto-West Germanic skirmi, from Proto-Germanic skirmiz (“fur, shelter, covering, screen”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut, divide”). Cognate with Dutch scherm (“screen”), German Schirm (“screen”). Doublet of scherm. An alternative etymology derives Old French escren, escran from Old Dutch scranc (“barrier”) (compare Middle Dutch schranc, schranke (“palisade, trellis, grid”), German Schrank (“cupboard, cabinet”), German Schranke (“fence”)), from Proto-West Germanic skrank, from Proto-Germanic *skrankaz.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.