detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

: one that detects: such as

a

: a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity

b

: a rectifier of high-frequency current used especially for extracting the intelligence from a radio signal

Synonyms

• sensor

Examples of detector in a Sentence

using metal detectors to improve safety at airports

a motion detector to thwart burglaries

Recent Examples on the Web

Alexandria schools, and other districts around D.C., are installing vape detectors on campus to try to curb limit student use. —Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

The center is equipped with an impressive array of advanced detectors capable of identifying radiological, chemical, biological agents, and explosives—technology that is beyond the reach of many neighboring countries in the region. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Laser pulses generate a topographic map in a manner similar to how a bat uses echolocation: Laser light is fired from an aircraft, bounces off objects on the ground, and returns to the detector located on the underside of the aircraft. —Anna Lagos, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024

The experiments were akin to firing a photon gun once per second and confirming that the detector clicked once per second in response. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing detector

• lie detector
• metal detector
• radar detector
• smoke detector

Kids Definition

detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

1

: one that detects or warns

a smoke detector

2

: a device in a radio receiver for changing the high-frequency current of radio waves into current that can vibrate a loudspeaker to reproduce the original sound

Medical Definition

detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

: one that detects

especially : a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity