high-definition
UK: ˌhaɪ dɪˈfɪn.ɪ.ʃən | US: ˌhaɪ dɪˈfɪn.ɪ.ʃən
adj. describing an image, video, or display with extremely clear and detailed resolution
n. (shortened as "HD") a standard or format for high-resolution visual media
The term combines "high" (Old English hēah, meaning "elevated" or "above average") with "definition" (Latin definitio, from definire "to set bounds"). Originally used in optics, "definition" referred to the sharpness of an image. By the mid-20th century, "high-definition" emerged in broadcasting to describe advanced resolution standards, emphasizing superior clarity. The morphemes reflect a literal progression: "high" intensifies "definition," creating a compound that logically conveys enhanced visual precision.
The high-definition television made every detail of the documentary strikingly vivid.
Streaming platforms now prioritize high-definition content for better viewer experience.
Photographers often shoot in high-definition to capture finer textures.
Early HD technology revolutionized how sports events were broadcasted.
The camera’s high-definition mode is ideal for capturing landscapes.