shader

In computer graphics, this term refers to a specialized script that runs on the GPU. It is a technical term used primarily by developers and digital artists to describe the logic that determines how light and shadow interact with a surface. It is distinct from a general program because it operates in parallel across thousands of pixels.

In a physical context, the word describes an object designed to modulate light. While it can refer to a simple blind or screen, it is most commonly associated with a lampshade. The term emphasizes the function of diffusing or blocking light to prevent glare or create a specific atmosphere.