charge-coupled device

noun

charge-cou·​pled device ˈchärj-ˌkə-pəld- How to pronounce charge-coupled device (audio)
: a semiconductor device that is used especially as an optical sensor and that stores charge and transfers it sequentially to an amplifier and detector

called also CCD, charged coupled device

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of charge-coupled device was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near charge-coupled device

Cite this Entry

“Charge-coupled device.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charge-coupled%20device. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on charge-coupled device

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!