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

The net simply gets clipped onto the detector as needed. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2024

Players can pull out a motion detector to locate xenomorphs as they stalk players. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024

In a way, the technique is a brand new type of particle detector, and could one day be used to measure more elusive decay products, such as neutrinos, or even dark matter. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024

This futuristic-looking pod on legs has a weight detector that sets off the cleaning cycle a few minutes after your cat has gone to the bathroom, and has a slide-out tray in the bottom. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 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