Pixel
/ˈpɪk.səl/noun
The smallest addressable element of a digital image or display.
Did you know?The term was coined in 1965 by NASA/JPL engineer Frederic C. Billingsley, who shortened “picture element” to “pixel” while working with digital images from space missions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peig-
“To cut, mark, or make incisions; a proposed ancient root associated with marking and coloring.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
pingere
“To paint, embroider, or represent in color.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pictura
“A painting or representation made by coloring.”
15th Century
English
picture
“A painted or drawn representation, borrowed through Old French from Latin.”
1965
English
pixel
“A shortened form of “picture element,” coined for digital-image technology.”
Modern English
English
pixel
“The smallest individually addressable unit of a digital image or display.”