Merriam-Webster's Word Central

October 23, 2009

pixel (noun): \PIK-sul\
What does it mean?: : any of the small elements that together make up an image (as on a television screen)
How do you use it?: Many tiny pixels form the images we see on television screens and on computer monitors.
Are you a word wiz?: Where do you think the word "pixel" comes from?

A. It comes from a Latin word meaning "image in light."

B. It comes from the name of the person who invented television.

C. It comes from a combination of the words "pictures" and "element."

D. It comes from name of the first computer program.

When you look at words or images on television or on a computer, what you see is actually made up of many tiny dots of color. Each dot or pixel is a part or element of the image. The "pix" part of "pixel" is short for "pictures." The "el" part comes from "element," meaning "one of the parts of which something is made up." So, taken together, "pixel" means one of the parts making up an image. Get the picture?

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