Pronunciation: [skɹˈiːnbɜːn] (IPA) 
The word "screenburn" is spelled with two separate words, "screen" and "burn", which represent the phenomenon of a ghost image appearing on a display screen due to prolonged and constant exposure to static content. The phonetic transcription of the word is /skriːn bɜːrn/. The "ee" sound in "screen" is represented by the long "i" symbol /iː/, while the "ur" sound in "burn" is represented by the "er" symbol /ɜː/.
Screenburn refers to a permanent or semi-permanent image or ghostly residue that remains on a visual display device, typically caused by displaying a static image or pattern for an extended period of time. This phenomenon primarily affects older display technologies such as cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors, plasma televisions, and early generations of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens.
When a static image is displayed on such screens for an extended duration, the pixels responsible for emitting light may age unevenly. This leads to a persistent ghostly reflection of the previous image, often visible even when the screen is off or displaying a different image. The word "screenburn" is derived from the notion that the image has "burned" or permanently imprinted onto the display.
Screenburn can also occur when one part of the display is used significantly more than others, resulting in uneven aging of pixels and causing noticeable discrepancies in brightness or color accuracy across the screen. The effect may be more apparent during scenes with high contrast, where the ghosted image remains discernible when new images are displayed.
Modern screen technologies have largely mitigated the issue of screenburn. LCD and LED screens, for instance, employ different mechanisms that distribute pixel usage more evenly, reducing the likelihood of permanent image retention. Additionally, manufacturers have implemented features like pixel shifting and screen savers to further prevent or minimize the occurrence of screenburn.
The term "screenburn" is a compound word that combines "screen" and "burn". "Screen" originates from the Old Norse word "skjá", which meant "partition" or "shield". Eventually, it evolved to mean a protective cover or barrier used to separate or hide an area. The word "burn" comes from the Old English word "burnan", which means "to light on fire" or "to consume by fire".
In the context of technology, "screenburn" refers to a phenomenon that occurred in older cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors, where a persistent image would be "burned" onto the screen over time due to prolonged display of static content. The term "screenburn" emerged in the 1990s to describe this particular issue with CRT monitors, and it has been adapted to refer to similar problems with modern display technologies like OLEDs or plasma screens.
