Source : WordNet®

passive matrix display
     n : a type of LCD screen used for some portable computers;
         parallel wires run both vertically and horizontally and
         pixels are turned on when the wires intersecting at that
         pixel are both energized; "passive matrix displays are
         generally inferior to active matrix displays"

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

passive matrix display
     
         A type of {liquid crystal display} which relies on
        {persistence} to maintain the state of each display element
        ({pixel}) between refresh scans.  The {resolution} of such
        displays is limited by the ratio between the time to set a
        pixel and the time it takes to fade.
     
        Contrast {active matrix display}.
     
        (1995-12-09)