Reading Theme:
Shutter Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：camera shutter (shutter)
shutter
/ˈʃʌtər/
n.
The part inside a camera that opens and closes quickly to let light in and take a picture.
camera shutter
➕
/ˈkæmərə ˈʃʌtər/
n.
A mechanical part in a camera that opens and closes rapidly to allow light to hit the film or sensor, thus capturing an image.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'shut' (to close) + '-er' (agent suffix), a device that closes.
💡 Mnemonic
Think SHUTTER SHUTs to let light in or out.
📖 Example
As the sun set, she pressed the button and heard the satisfying click of the camera's shutter capturing the golden sky.
This describes the sound of a camera shutter clicking as it takes a photo of a sunset sky.
🔗 Collocations
fast shutter speed – a setting for capturing fast-moving subjects without blur
shutter button – the button pressed to activate the shutter and take a photo
mechanical shutter – a shutter that uses physical parts to open and close, as opposed to electronic
🔄 Synonyms
obturator (n.) – a technical term for a device that controls the passage of light by opening and closing
camera mechanism (n.) – a general term for parts inside a camera, including the shutter
🌱 Derivatives
shutterbug (n.) – an informal term for a photography enthusiast
shutterless (adj.) – lacking a shutter, as in some digital cameras
📖 Cultural Story
Shutter originates from Middle English 'shutten', meaning to close. It first referred to window covers and later was adopted for cameras in the 19th century to control light exposure.
Meaning 2：window covering (shutter)
shutter
/ˈʃʌtər/
n.
A set of wooden or metal covers on the outside of a window that can be opened and closed.
window covering
➕
/ˈwɪndoʊ ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
n.
A set of hinged covers attached to the outside of a window, used to block light, provide privacy, or protect against weather.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before the storm hit, we quickly closed all the wooden shutters to protect the windows from the strong wind.
This sentence illustrates closing window shutters to protect against an approaching storm.
🔗 Collocations
wooden shutters – shutters made of wood, common in traditional architecture
close the shutters – to shut the window covers for protection or privacy
shutter hinges – the joints that allow shutters to swing open and closed
🔄 Synonyms
blinds (n.) – window coverings that can be raised, lowered, or tilted
window shades (n.) – coverings that block or filter light from windows
🚫 Antonyms
open window (n.) – a window without any coverings, allowing unobstructed view and light
🌱 Derivatives
shuttered (adj.) – having shutters closed or describing a building with shutters
unshuttered (adj.) – without shutters or with shutters open
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