The process of testing or examining something systematically; also the showing of a film or television program.
From 'screen' (Middle English 'screne' from Old French 'escren') plus '-ing'. Originally referred to sifting through screens, later extended to systematic examination and film projection. The metaphor of filtering through barriers applies to all uses.
Screening perfectly captures how we filter reality - whether it's medical tests screening for disease, security screening for threats, or movie screenings projecting images through light. The word embodies the fundamental human need to separate, examine, and selectively reveal.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.