aliasing

noun

ali·​as·​ing ˈā-lē-ə-siŋ 

ˈāl-yə-

: an error or distortion created in a digital image that usually appears as a jagged outline

We commonly observe aliasing on television. This occurs when there is an insufficient magnification produced by the lens of a TV camera focused on periodic structures such as the pattern of pinstripes in an announcer's shirt, bricks in the wall of a house, or seats in an empty stadium.

—Douglas B. Murphy, Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging, 2001

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!