Definition

Noun: A type of electronic display device that presents information using a set of characters, specifically letters of the alphabet (alpha) and numerical digits (numeric). It shows data in a readable text format, as opposed to graphical or purely numerical displays.

Usage

An alphanumeric display is used to show text-based information such as words, numbers, messages, or codes. It is commonly found in devices where clear, character-based readouts are needed. - The old calculator featured a simple alphanumeric display. - The thermostat uses an alphanumeric display to show the current temperature and mode.

Advanced Usage

• "full alphanumeric display": A display capable of showing the complete set of letters A-Z and numbers 0-9, and often basic punctuation.
  • The new pager had a full alphanumeric display for reading text messages.
• The term is often used in technical specifications to describe the output capability of screens on instruments, industrial controls, or early computing terminals.

Variants and Related Words

• Alphanumeric (adjective): Consisting of or using both letters and numerals.
  • The password must be alphanumeric.
• Display (noun): A screen or other device presenting information visually.
• Character display: A near-synonym emphasizing the presentation of individual characters.

Synonyms

• Character display
• Text display
• Readout (in specific instrumental contexts)

Related Phrases

• Alphanumeric readout: Essentially synonymous, often used for smaller, single-line displays on measurement devices.
  • The multimeter provides an alphanumeric readout of the voltage.

Noun

1. a display that gives the information in the form of characters (numbers or letters)