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REFERENCE

screen

n. · v.
US //ˈskɹin// UK //skɹˈiːn// screen
  1. 1 electronic display (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    the flat surface on a television, computer, or phone where you see images.

    the physical surface on which visual information or images are displayed in electronic devices.

    Example

    He spent the whole afternoon staring at his computer screen.

    Example

    The high-resolution screen provides exceptional clarity, making it ideal for professional photographers who need to see fine details in their work.
  2. 2 physical divider (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a light wall or piece of furniture used to hide something or divide a room.

    a movable or fixed partition used to provide shelter, privacy, or to divide a space.

    Example

    She changed her clothes behind a wooden screen in the corner of the room.

    Example

    The architect used a perforated metal screen to provide privacy for the balcony while still allowing natural light to filter into the apartment.
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  1. 3 mesh or filter (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a frame with fine wire that lets air through but keeps insects out.

    a frame containing a mesh of wire or plastic, used to prevent the passage of insects or to separate particles by size.

    Example

    We should fix the screen on the window before the mosquitoes come inside.

    Example

    The industrial screen was designed to filter out large debris from the water supply before it reached the treatment plant.
  2. 4 to test or check (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    to test or examine someone to see if they have a disease or are suitable for a job.

    to carry out a systematic investigation or medical test on a group of people to identify specific characteristics or risks.

    Example

    The hospital will screen all new patients for the virus.

    Example

    The recruitment agency will screen all applicants thoroughly to ensure they meet the strict security requirements for the government position.
  3. 5 to show a film (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Theatre

    to show a movie or television programme to an audience.

    to project or broadcast a film or television programme for public viewing.

    Example

    The local cinema plans to screen the new documentary next Tuesday.

    Example

    The film festival will screen over fifty independent features, many of which have never been seen by a domestic audience before.
  4. 6 to hide or protect (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to hide something or protect it from being seen.

    to conceal or protect something from view or from a physical threat.

    Example

    A row of tall trees was planted to screen the house from the busy road.

    Example

    The military used smoke to screen their movements from the enemy during the tactical retreat across the valley.
Origin

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.

Idioms3 entries

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