■ noun
1》 an upright partition used to divide a room, give shelter, or provide concealment.
↘a wind~ of a motor vehicle.
↘a frame with fine wire netting used to keep out flying insects.
2》 the surface of a cathode ray tube or similar electronic device, especially that of a television, VDU, or monitor, on which images and data are displayed.
↘a blank surface on which a photographic image is projected.
↘( the ~ ) films or television.
↘ Photography a flat piece of ground glass on which the image formed by a camera lens is focused.
3》 Printing a transparent finely ruled plate or film used in half-tone reproduction.
4》 a system or act of ~ing for the presence or absence of something.
5》 a large sieve or riddle.
6》 Military a detachment of troops or ships detailed to cover the movements of the main body.
7》 a part of an electrical or other instrument which protects it from or prevents it causing electromagnetic interference.
↘(also ~ grid ) Electronics a grid placed between the control grid and the anode of a valve to reduce the capacitance between these electrodes.
■ verb
1》 conceal, protect, or shelter with a ~.
↘protect from something dangerous or unpleasant.
2》 show (a film or video) or broadcast (a television programme).
3》 test for the presence or absence of a disease.
↘investigate (someone), typically to ascertain suitability for a job.
4》 pass (a substance such as grain or coal) through a large sieve or riddle, especially so as to sort it into different sizes.
5》 Printing project (a photograph or other image) through a ~ so as to reproduce it as a half-tone.
Derivatives
~able adjective
~er noun
~ful noun ( plural ~fuls ).
~ing noun
Origin
ME: shortening of Old North. Fr. escren , of Gmc origin.