plural pixels
1
: any of the small discrete elements that together constitute an image (as on a television or digital screen)
… the number of pixels determines how sharp and realistic the image looks.—Leslie Meredith
2
: any of the detecting elements of a solid-state optical sensor (such as a CCD or CMOS device)
The team used a new CCD detector that has an 8,192 by 8,192 pixel array, which makes it the world's largest astronomical CCD.—Astronomy
the … CMOS image sensor provides a 9-µm pixel size …—Mathew Dirjish
Did you know?
Is it pixelated or pixilated?
Pixelated is used to describe digital images in which individual pixels are discernable, as when you look closely at a large photo and can see the tiny dots that make up the image. Pixilated (coined from pixie, a pixie being a cheerful, mischievous sprite) is usually used to describe things considered whimsical, or people who seem dazed or lost in thought. While pixelated is a late 20th century coinage, pixilated has been in use since the mid-19th century.
Cite this Entry
“Pixel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pixel. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.
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