charge-coupled device: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Technical
Quick answer
What does “charge-coupled device” mean?
A type of image sensor used in digital cameras, scanners, and video recorders, which converts light into an electrical charge that is processed to form an image.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of image sensor used in digital cameras, scanners, and video recorders, which converts light into an electrical charge that is processed to form an image.
A specific electronic technology for capturing images or light data, operating by moving an electrical charge sequentially from one capacitor to another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard British/American conventions for the constituent words 'charge', 'coupled', and 'device'.
Connotations
Technical precision, older digital imaging technology (compared to CMOS sensors), high quality in low-light conditions (e.g., in astronomy).
Frequency
Equal, low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “charge-coupled device” in a Sentence
The [device/apparatus] uses a charge-coupled device.A charge-coupled device [verbs...].Images are captured by a charge-coupled device.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “charge-coupled device” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The CCD imaging chip was state-of-the-art.
- We need a charge-coupled device sensor.
American English
- The CCD imaging chip was state-of-the-art.
- We need a charge-coupled device sensor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical marketing for scientific or professional imaging equipment.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, astronomy, and digital imaging research papers.
Everyday
Very rare. A general consumer might encounter it in detailed camera specifications.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in electronics, optics, and instrumentation design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “charge-coupled device”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “charge-coupled device”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “charge-coupled device”
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'charge coupled-device' or 'charge-coupled-device'.
- Using 'CCD' as a plural without an 's' (e.g., 'The telescope has three CCDs').
- Confusing it with the more modern 'CMOS sensor' without noting the technical distinction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
CCD stands for Charge-Coupled Device.
No, most modern smartphones use CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensors because they are more power-efficient and cheaper to manufacture, though CCDs are still valued in specialised scientific and industrial applications.
The primary advantage is high image quality with low noise, especially in low-light conditions, making it ideal for astronomy, microscopy, and high-end scientific imaging.
No, it is exclusively a noun phrase. You cannot 'charge-coupled' something. The related action would be 'to capture an image using a CCD' or 'to read out the CCD'.
A type of image sensor used in digital cameras, scanners, and video recorders, which converts light into an electrical charge that is processed to form an image.
Charge-coupled device is usually technical in register.
Charge-coupled device: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɑːdʒ ˌkʌpəld dɪˈvaɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɑːrdʒ ˌkʌpəld dɪˈvaɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a device where electrical CHARGE is COUPLED (linked and passed) from one part to the next to build a picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
A bucket brigade for light (where light is 'water' poured into buckets (capacitors) and passed along a line).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is a 'charge-coupled device' MOST commonly used?