dis·play / disˈplā/ • v. [tr.] make a prominent exhibition of (something) in a place where it can be easily seen: the palace used to display a series of Flemish tapestries a handwritten notice was displayed in the ticket office. ∎  (of a computer or other device) show (information) on a screen. ∎  give a conspicuous demonstration of (a quality, emotion, or skill): the aggressive kind of baseball he displayed as a player. ∎  [intr.] (of a male bird, reptile, or fish) engage in a specialized pattern of behavior that is intended to attract a mate: she photographed the peacock, which chose that moment to display.• n. 1. a performance, show, or event intended for public entertainment: a display of fireworks. ∎  a collection of objects arranged for public viewing: the museum houses an informative display of rocks | work by lesser-known artists is also on display | [as adj.] a display case. ∎  a notable or conspicuous demonstration of a particular type of behavior, emotion, or skill: a display of great virtuosity. ∎  conspicuous or flashy exhibition; ostentation: a flagrant display of wealth. ∎  a specialized pattern of behavior by the males of some species of birds, reptiles, and fish that is intended to attract a mate: the teal were indulging in delightful courtship displays. ∎  Printing the arrangement and choice of type in a style intended to attract attention.2. an electronic device for the visual presentation of data: a 17-inch color display | [as adj.] a visual display screen. ∎  the process or facility of presenting data on a computer screen or other device: the processing and display of high volumes of information. ∎  the data shown on a computer screen or other device.DERIVATIVES: dis·play·er n.

display
1. A device that can be attached to a computer in order to present transient images – textual or pictorial – on its screen (see text mode, graphics mode). The most widely used display device is the cathode-ray tube with color specified by RGB signals. Although domestic TV receivers have been used as computer-driven displays, it is usual to have specially designed units: for prolonged use by one operator it is necessary to optimize the screen characteristics and provide a sharper and more stable image to avoid unnecessary fatigue.

Other display technologies use flat-panel displays. These include LCDs (liquid-crystal displays), plasma panels, and electroluminescent displays. As costs continue to fall such flat-panel displays are gradually replacing the cathode-ray tube for desktop use.

2. A method of presenting graphical or pictorial images. See raster-scan display, vector display.

3. To make information visible in a temporary form.

display Stereotyped behaviour, involved in communication, which is largely acquired genetically. It may be associated with courtship, in which physical characteristics (plumage, antlers, etc.) are exhibited by an animal as a means of attracting and securing the co-operation of a sexual partner, deimatic, a threat (e.g. in a bird establishing a territory), or cryptic (i.e. making the animal more difficult to see).

display Stereotyped behaviour, involved in communication, that is largely acquired genetically. It may be associated with courtship, in which physical characteristics (plumage, antlers, etc.) are exhibited by an animal as a means of attracting and securing the co-operation of a sexual partner, deimatic, a threat (e.g. in a bird establishing a territory), or cryptic (i.e. making the animal more difficult to see).

display †unfold; expose to view XIV; exhibit, manifest XVI; show off XVII. — OF. despleier (mod. déploier DEPLOY), earlier desplier :- L. displicāre scatter, (medL.) unfold, unfurl, f. DIS- 1, 2 + plicāre fold (see PLY).
Hence sb. XVII.