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

However, as new AI models are released and the technology continues to advance, it should be noted that false positives do still occur in AI detection (when an AI detector incorrectly identifies human text as AI). —Jonathan Gillham, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Residents of Kherson have reportedly begun carrying small detectors to notify them when drones are hovering nearby, while others leave the house only at certain times to avoid them. —Maya Mehrara, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

There are currently no detectors at Arlington County schools, says a spokesperson. —Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

When top deepfake detectors only catch the phonies 75% of the time, according to reports, being vigilant against fraud is vital. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 29 Nov. 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