/sun"skreen'/ , n.
1. a substance formulated to prevent sunburn, skin cancers, and other conditions caused by excessive exposure to the sun, usually by absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet radiation. Cf. SPF .
2. a lotion, cream, etc., containing such a substance.
3. a latticework or similar construction to shield a patio, atrium, or the like, from direct sunlight. Also, sun screen .
[ 1730-40; SUN + SCREEN ]