An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1a) To show; make visible.

1b) Of computers, to show the output data on a screen.

2a) The act of displaying.

2b) Of computers, a visual representation of information.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. despleier “to unfold, spread out,” from L. displicare “to scatter,” from → dis- “un-, apart” + plicare “to fold, twist,” from PIE base *plek- “to plait, twist” (cf. Gk. plekein “to plait,” L. plectere “to plait, braid, intertwine,” Av. frašna- “helmet” (in ərəzatô.frašna- “having a silver helmet” (epithet of Mithra), Skt. praśna- “turban,” O.H.G. flehtan “to plait,” Russ. plesti “to plait”).

Etymology (PE): Nemudan, nemâyândan “to show, display,” from Mid.Pers. nimūdan, present stem nimây- “to show,” from O.Pers./Av. ni- “down; into,” → ni-, + māy- “to measure,” cf. Skt. mati “measures,” matra- “measure,” PIE base *me- “to measure;” cf. Gk. metron “measure,” L. metrum.