Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pointing device for computer displays: An electronic stylus is a handheld tool that functions as a pointer. When its tip is pointed at a specific spot on a computer screen, it can detect whether that spot is lit up or illuminated.
   • A sensor for screen interaction: It is an input device that senses light or electromagnetic signals from a display, allowing a user to interact with or select items on the screen.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The designer used an electronic stylus to draw directly on the graphics tablet screen.
  • Older touchscreen kiosks often required an electronic stylus for input, rather than a finger.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In computer science and human-computer interaction, an "electronic stylus" is specifically a device that senses illumination from a CRT (cathode ray tube) or similar display to determine position, differing from modern active or capacitive styluses.
  • The light pen, a type of electronic stylus, was an early input device for selecting objects on a screen.

Variants and Related Words

• Light pen: A common synonym and specific type of electronic stylus.
  • The light pen fell out of common use as touchscreens advanced.
• Stylus: A more general term for a pen-like tool used with touchscreens or graphics tablets, which may or may not be an "electronic stylus" as defined.
• Pointer: A general term for any device used to point to or select items on a screen.

Synonyms

• Light pen: A pointer that detects light from a screen.
• Screen pointer: A device for pointing at a display.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Touchscreen: A display that detects touch, often used with a stylus.
• Input device: A broader category including the electronic stylus.

Noun

1. (computer science) a pointer that when pointed at a computer display senses whether or not the spot is illuminated