n.1. A movable device, especially a framed construction such as a room divider or a decorative panel, designed to divide, conceal, or protect.
2. 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.
3. A coarse sieve used for sifting out fine particles, as of sand, gravel, or coal.
4. A system for preliminary appraisal and selection of personnel as to their suitability for particular jobs.
5. A window or door insertion of framed wire or plastic mesh used to keep out insects and permit air flow.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Electronics The electrode placed between the anode and the control grid in a tetrode valve. Also called screen grid.
9. Printing A glass plate marked off with crossing lines, placed before the lens of a camera when photographing for halftone reproduction.
10. A body of troops or ships sent in advance of or surrounding a larger body to protect or warn of attack.
11. a. Sports A block, set with the body, that impedes the vision or movement of an opponent.
b. Football A screen pass.
tr.v. screened,
screen·ing,
screens 1. To provide with a screen: screen a porch.
2. a. To conceal from view with or as if with a screen. See Synonyms at
block,
hide1.
b. To protect, guard, or shield.
3. To separate or sift out (fine particles of sand, for example) by means of a sieve or screen.
4. To show or project (a movie, for example) on a screen.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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a·ble adj.
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