plasma screen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Consumer Electronics; becoming dated.
Quick answer
What does “plasma screen” mean?
A type of flat-panel television or computer display technology (now largely obsolete) that uses small cells containing electrically charged ionized gases, or plasma, to illuminate pixels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of flat-panel television or computer display technology (now largely obsolete) that uses small cells containing electrically charged ionized gases, or plasma, to illuminate pixels.
A television set or large public display incorporating plasma display technology; used metonymically for any large, flat-screen television, though technically distinct from modern LCD/LED/OLED screens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of 'screen' is consistent.
Connotations
In both dialects, the term connotes an earlier generation of flat-screen technology (2000s-early 2010s), often associated with high initial cost and prestige that later diminished.
Frequency
Frequency has declined sharply in both regions since the mid-2010s as the technology was phased out. Remains in use when referring to older devices or in historical context.
Grammar
How to Use “plasma screen” in a Sentence
[have/own/mount] a plasma screen[watch/broadcast] on a plasma screen[replace/upgrade from] a plasma screenVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plasma screen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The shop will plasma-screen the match for the customers. (rare, informal)
American English
- They decided to plasma-screen the big game. (rare, informal)
adjective
British English
- It was a plasma-screen television, not an LCD.
American English
- He had a plasma-screen TV mounted above the fireplace.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail or tech journalism: 'The company ceased production of plasma screens in 2014.'
Academic
In media studies or technology history: 'The plasma screen represented a pivotal shift towards domestic home cinema.'
Everyday
In conversation: 'We finally got rid of our old plasma screen; it was so heavy and hot.'
Technical
In electronics: 'Plasma screens utilized a grid of electrodes to excite noble gas mixtures.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plasma screen”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plasma screen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plasma screen”
- Using 'plasma screen' to refer to any modern flat-screen TV (most are now LCD/LED/OLED). Confusing 'plasma' with 'LCD'. Spelling 'plazma' incorrectly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, major manufacturers stopped producing plasma screens around 2014-2015. The market was overtaken by LCD, LED, and OLED technologies.
Plasma screens used tiny cells of ionized gas to light each pixel, offering deep blacks. LCD screens use a liquid crystal layer blocked or allowed light from a backlight, which was initially less effective for contrast but more energy-efficient.
Technically no, as it refers to a specific, outdated technology. In casual conversation, some people might, but it's more accurate to say 'flat-screen TV'.
They were overtaken by LCD/LED technology, which became cheaper to produce, thinner, lighter, more energy-efficient, and less prone to permanent image burn-in over time.
A type of flat-panel television or computer display technology (now largely obsolete) that uses small cells containing electrically charged ionized gases, or plasma, to illuminate pixels.
Plasma screen is usually technical/consumer electronics; becoming dated. in register.
Plasma screen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈplæzmə ˌskriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈplæzmə ˌskrin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The bigger the plasma screen, the better (adapted from common consumer saying).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PLASma Screen = PLASma (a state of matter like in stars) + SCREEN (display). Think: a screen that uses glowing gas (plasma) to create the picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WINDOW (onto media content); A DOMESTIC THEATRE (bringing cinema experience home).
Practice
Quiz
What was a key disadvantage of plasma screen technology?