video display terminal
LowTechnical/Historical
Definition
Meaning
A device consisting of a screen and keyboard used to display data from a computer and allow user input.
Historically, a dedicated workstation or monitor-keyboard unit connected to a mainframe or minicomputer, often used in office and industrial settings before the widespread adoption of personal computers. The term can also refer to the display component itself in technical contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is largely historical and technical. In contemporary usage, its components ('monitor', 'screen', 'display') or more specific terms ('workstation', 'computer terminal') are preferred. It often implies a text-based or simple graphical interface, not a modern high-resolution display.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally technical and dated in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes older computing technology (1970s-1990s) in both regions. May be associated with green or amber monochrome screens.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern general use in both BrE and AmE. Found primarily in historical texts, technical documentation, or discussions of legacy systems.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The VDT is connected to [COMPUTER SYSTEM].The operator works at the VDT.Data is displayed on the VDT.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chained to the VDT (meaning: forced to do repetitive computer work)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in legacy system manuals or discussions of office ergonomics ('VDT ergonomics').
Academic
Used in historical studies of technology, human-computer interaction, or occupational health.
Everyday
Virtually never used. People say 'computer screen', 'monitor', or just 'computer'.
Technical
The primary remaining context. Used in engineering, retro-computing, and specific industrial control system documentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The system was designed to video-display-terminal the data from the central server. (Highly contrived, not standard)
American English
- (No standard verb form exists for this noun phrase.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form exists.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form exists.)
adjective
British English
- The VDT operator complained of eye strain.
- We reviewed the video-display-terminal specifications.
American English
- The VDT workstation needed an upgrade.
- Old video display terminal technology is often collected by enthusiasts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a computer. This is the screen. (VDT is too complex for A2.)
- The old computer had a large video display terminal on the desk.
- Before personal computers, many offices used video display terminals connected to a central mainframe.
- The study examined the long-term ergonomic effects of using a video display terminal for data entry tasks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an old film where a typist sits at a bulky beige box with a glowing green screen – that's a Video Display Terminal.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WINDOW into the computer's mind (displaying its processes). / An extension of the user's hands and eyes (for input and output).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'видео терминал' which is a calque. The standard Russian term is 'дисплей' or 'монитор'. 'Терминал' is used but is also technical.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to a modern laptop or tablet screen. / Confusing it with 'CPU' or 'tower'. / Using it in everyday conversation where 'screen' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern synonym for 'video display terminal' in everyday language?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely historical. Terms like 'monitor', 'screen', 'display', or 'workstation' are used today.
A VDT typically refers to the complete unit (screen and keyboard) for interacting with a remote computer. A 'monitor' usually refers only to the display screen.
It's important for understanding historical texts about computing, certain technical fields, and the evolution of office technology.
Yes, 'VDT' is a standard acronym in technical writing, but it should be defined on first use as it is not widely known to the general public.