Definition

Noun: The pictorial representation and manipulation of data by a computer. This field involves generating, processing, and displaying visual content using computational techniques.

Usage

The term "computer graphics" is used as a singular or plural noun to refer to: 1. The field of study and technology concerned with creating images and visual designs with computers. 2. The images or visual output themselves that are generated by a computer.

Examples

• As a field/technology:
  • She studied computer graphics and now works as a visual effects artist.
  • Advances in computer graphics have revolutionized the film and video game industries.
• As the visual output:
  • The computer graphics in that animated film are incredibly realistic.
  • This software is used for creating 3D computer graphics.

Advanced Usage

• "Real-time computer graphics": Refers to graphics that are generated and displayed instantly, as in video games or simulations, where the image must update quickly in response to user input.
• The term often implies the use of specialized software (e.g., graphics programs) and hardware (e.g., graphics processing units - GPUs).

Variants and Related Words

• CG (abbreviation): A common abbreviation for "computer graphics."
  • The movie was praised for its groundbreaking CG.
• Computer-generated imagery (CGI): A closely related term, often used specifically for the application of computer graphics to create or integrate images in films, television, and other media.
• Rendering (noun): The process of generating a final image or animation from a model using computer graphics software.

Synonyms

• Digital imagery
• CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) (context-specific)
• Visual computing (broader field)

Related Phrases

• Graphics processing unit (GPU): The specialized electronic hardware essential for accelerating the creation and display of computer graphics.
• Graphics software: Applications like Adobe Photoshop or Blender used to create and manipulate computer graphics.

Noun

1. the pictorial representation and manipulation of data by a computer