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screen

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The definition of a screen is something used to divide, protect, block or shield.

(noun)

An example of a screen is a framed mesh door used for keeping insects out of a house when the solid door is open.
An example of a screen is a Japanese room divider.
An example of a screen is spf 30 skin lotion used to block the sun's effects on the skin.

Screen is defined as to show, examine or separate.

(verb)

An example of screen is a movie theater showing Oscar nominated films; to screen a movie.
An example of screen is to phone interview potential employees; to screen the best candidates.
An example of screen is to plant bushes in front of an air conditioner unit to keep it from being seen; to screen from view.

See screen in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. a light, movable, covered frame or series of frames hinged together, serving as a portable partition to separate, conceal, shelter, or protect
2. any partition or curtain serving such a purpose
anything that functions to shield, protect, or conceal: a smoke screen
a coarse mesh of wire, etc., used to sift out finer from coarser parts, as of sand or coal; sieve
a system for screening or separating different types of persons, etc.
a frame covered with a mesh, as of wire or plastic, used to keep insects out, serve as a barrier, etc. as on a window
1. a flat, reflective or translucent surface, as a matte white sheet or one of beaded vinyl, upon which films, slides, etc. are projected
2. the film industry or art
the surface area of a television set, personal computer, radar receiver, etc. on which light patterns are formed
any protective military formation, as of troops or ships
☆ Basketball an offensive maneuver or play in which a stationary player blocks or impedes the movement of a defensive player
☆ Football screen pass
Photoengraving in the halftone process, a set of two glass plates cemented together so that parallel lines engraved in one plate are at right angles to the lines of the other plate
Physics a device used as a shield to prevent interference of some sort
☆ Psychoanalysis a form of concealment, as a person in a dream who stands for another or others with whom he has some characteristics in common

Origin: ME skrene, sieve, curtain < OFr escren < Gmc, as in OHG scerm (Ger shirm), guard, protection, screen < IE base *(s)ker-, to cut > shear, score

transitive verb

to separate, conceal, shelter, or protect, with or as with a screen
to provide with a screen or screens
to sift through a coarse mesh so as to separate finer from coarser parts
1. to interview or test so as to separate according to skills, personality, aptitudes, etc.
2. to separate in this way: usually with out
1. to project (pictures, etc.) upon a screen, as with a film or slide projector
2. to show (a film, etc.) to critics, the public, etc.

intransitive verb

to be screened or suitable for screening, as in films

Related Forms:

screenable adjective
screener noun
screenless adjective

See screen in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A movable device, especially a framed construction such as a room divider or a decorative panel, designed to divide, conceal, or protect.
One that serves to protect, conceal, or divide: Security guards formed a screen around the President. A screen of evergreens afforded privacy from our neighbors.
A coarse sieve used for sifting out fine particles, as of sand, gravel, or coal.
A system for preliminary appraisal and selection of personnel as to their suitability for particular jobs.
A window or door insertion of framed wire or plastic mesh used to keep out insects and permit air flow.
a. The white or silver surface on which a picture is projected for viewing.
b. The movie industry: a star of stage and screen. Also called silver screen.
a. Electronics The phosphorescent surface on which an image is displayed, as on a television, computer monitor, or radar receiver.
b. Computer Science The information or image displayed at a given time on such a computer monitor: printing a hard copy of the screen.
Electronics The electrode placed between the anode and the control grid in a tetrode valve. Also called screen grid.
Printing A glass plate marked off with crossing lines, placed before the lens of a camera when photographing for halftone reproduction.
A body of troops or ships sent in advance of or surrounding a larger body to protect or warn of attack.
a. Sports A block, set with the body, that impedes the vision or movement of an opponent.
b. Football A screen pass.

transitive verb screened, screen·ing, screens

To provide with a screen: screen a porch.
a. To conceal from view with or as if with a screen. See Synonyms at block, hide¹.
b. To protect, guard, or shield.
To separate or sift out (fine particles of sand, for example) by means of a sieve or screen.
To show or project (a movie, for example) on a screen.
a. To examine (a job applicant, for example) systematically in order to determine suitability.
b. To test or evaluate (a student) to determine placement in an educational system or to identify specific learning needs.
c. To test or examine for the presence of disease or infection: screen blood; screen a patient.
d. To subject to genetic screening.
Sports
a. To block the vision or movement of (an opponent) with the body.
b. To obscure an opponent's view of (a shot) by positioning oneself between the opponent and the shooter.