Definition of: screen

(skrēn) noun
1. That which separates or cuts off, shelters or protects, as a light partition.
2. A sieve or riddle, for sifting.
3. A smooth surface, as a canvas or curtain, on which motion pictures, etc., may be shown.
4. A motion picture or motion pictures collectively.
5. A plate of glass bearing very finely ruled lines, placed between the object and the camera in photographing for reproduction by the half–tone process.
6 a Mil. A detachment of troops sent to deceive an enemy as to the movement of the main force. b Nav. A formation of ships arranged for the protection of heavier vessels from enemy submarines, etc.
7. Physics Any of various devices for confining the action of a physical agency or instrument to a definite area: a magnetic screen.
8. Psychoanal. A person who stands for someone else or others having some common characteristic, as in a dream: a form of concealment.
—v.t.
1. To shield from observation or annoyance with or as with a screen.
2. To pass through a screen or sieve; sift.
3. To show or exhibit on a screen, as a motion picture.
4. Psychol. To separate from a group (those individuals showing indications of, or tendencies toward, mental or physical incapacity for specified activities): often with out. See synonyms under HIDE, PALLIATE, SHELTER. [Prob. <OF escren, escrin, prob. <OHG skirm]
—screen′a·ble adjective
—screen′er noun