transponder

noun

tran·spon·der tran(t)-ˈspän-dər

: a radio or radar set that upon receiving a designated signal emits a radio signal of its own and that is used especially for the detection, identification, and location of objects and in satellites for relaying communications signals

Did you know?

This word was coined during World War II by simply joining pieces of the words transmitter and responder. Transponders are basic to modern aviation and communications satellites, and they're finding new uses in fields such as medicine as well. But they're now also part of everyday life. The "E-ZPass" that lets you drive right through turnpike tollbooths is a transponder, and the car you're driving may not even start unless it recognizes the signal from your personal key's transponder. In a big crowded foot race, you may carry a tiny transponder on your shoe that records when you cross both the starting line and the finish line.

Examples of transponder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The Helix has higher-quality fit and finish, with landing cameras, beacon lights, ADS-B transponder, and on the more expensive models, advanced chargers and custom finishes. —

Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2024 Best practice is to have the FasTrak holder add your car’s license plate to the account, so if there’s a transponder malfunction, your toll is still covered. —

Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2024 The morning after former Nike executive Elliott Hill was named as Donahoe’s replacement on Sept. 19, a Nike jet’s transponder reported the plane departing from the Portland area, records show. —

Rob Davis, ProPublica, 4 Oct. 2024 Tolls could be even higher for those without transponders. —

Kristin J. Bender, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transponder