PIXELLATED Meaning and
Definition
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Pixellated, also spelled as pixelated, is an adjective that refers to the appearance or quality of an image or video graphic in which individual pixels are visible, making it appear digital or blocky. The term derives from the word "pixel," which refers to the smallest unit of a digital image that can be displayed or represented on a screen.
When an image or video is described as pixellated, it means that the resolution or quality of the graphics has been reduced, resulting in a loss of detail and clarity. This phenomenon is commonly observed when an image or video is enlarged beyond its original dimensions, causing the individual pixels to become more prominent. As a result, the image or video appears less smooth and more jagged, with distinct squares or blocks representing each pixel.
Pixellation is often intentional in media to obscure or censor sensitive or explicit content, such as faces, private parts, or offensive visuals. However, unintentional pixellation can occur due to technical limitations, compression algorithms, or low-resolution sources. This can happen in digital photography, video streaming, video games, or any other type of digital media where images are displayed.
In summary, pixellated describes an image or video that exhibits visible individual pixels, resulting in a blocky or digital appearance. Whether intentional or unintentional, the reduced resolution or quality causes loss of detail and smoothness, leading to a less clear and distorted representation of the original content.
Etymology of PIXELLATED
The word "pixellated" originates from the term "pixel", which is a combination of the words "picture" and "element". A pixel refers to the smallest unit of an image on a screen. The suffix "-ated" is a common adjectival suffix used to form past participle adjectives. Therefore, "pixellated" describes something that has been divided into pixels, often resulting in a blocky or grainy appearance.
