Definition

Noun: 1. A type of flat-panel display technology: LCD stands for "Liquid Crystal Display." It is a digital display screen that creates images by modulating light using liquid crystal cells. These cells change their alignment and optical properties when an electric field is applied. LCDs are known for being thin, lightweight, and energy-efficient compared to older technologies. * Core Concept: A screen technology that uses liquid crystals to control the passage of light, forming images without producing its own light (typically requiring a backlight).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new laptop features a very bright and sharp LCD.
  • Most modern televisions and computer monitors use LCD technology.
  • The digital watch has a small LCD that shows the time and date.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In technical specifications, "LCD" is often used to distinguish this technology from others like OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) or Plasma.
  • This model is an LCD, not an OLED, so the black levels are not as deep.

Variants and Related Words

• LED-LCD (Noun): A common variant where the traditional fluorescent backlight of an LCD is replaced with Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for improved energy efficiency, contrast, and color.
  • The TV is advertised as an LED-LCD, which is more efficient than older LCDs.
• LCD panel (Noun): Refers specifically to the layered screen component itself, before it is assembled into a complete monitor or TV.
• Liquid Crystal Display (Noun): The full, unabbreviated form of "LCD."

Synonyms

• Flat-panel display (Noun): A general term for thin, lightweight display screens, which includes LCD, Plasma, and OLED technologies.
• Digital display (Noun): A display that presents information in a digital (numeric or pixel-based) format, as opposed to an analog dial.

Related Phrases

• LCD screen / LCD monitor / LCD television (Noun Phrase): Common phrases specifying the type of device using the technology.
  • I need to replace my old LCD monitor.

Noun

1. a digital display that uses liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an applied electric field; used for portable computer displays and watches etc.