LCD

LCD is an acronym that stands for "Liquid Crystal Display." A liquid crystal display is basically a device that uses tiny crystals to represent information in the form of letters and numbers. It is probably most well known because of its use in digital watches, which feature LCD screens, and certain types of computer monitors.

The process by which the LCD transmits electric pulses into displayable information seems confusing, but it really isn't. A good way to imagine it is by thinking of a small, flat case full of iron filings. These filings are totally meaningless by themselves--but when a magnetic rob is passed in front or behind them, they organize into recognizable patterns. The person who wields the magnetic wand can even make them spell out words if he or she wants to.

Now, replace the filings with tiny crystals, and the magnetic want with pulses of electricity, and you have an LCD display. Of course, LCDs utilize many more crystals than even a large case of iron filings could hold, and fluctuate with a number of currents, instead of a single wand. But the principle is the same.

Though LCD technology is relatively simple, its uses are various. Since their introduction, digital watches have become so ubiquitous around the world that it is possible nowadays--though perhaps not very common--to meet relatively educated people who have no idea how to tell time on a traditional, non-digital clock. Also, without LCDs computers would not be able to display their information in the graphic and stylish way that we have become so used to.