detector

[ dih-tek-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that detects.
2. a device for detecting smoke, fire, or some other hazardous condition.
3. a device for detecting the presence of metal, contraband, or other items that might be hidden or concealed.
4. Telecommunications.
   1. a device for detecting electric oscillations or waves.
   2. a device, as a crystal detector or a vacuum tube, that rectifies the alternating current in a radio receiver.

detector

/ dɪˈtɛktə /

noun

1. a person or thing that detects
2. any mechanical sensing device
3. electronics a device used in the detection of radio signals

Word History and Origins

Origin of detector¹

1535–45; < Late Latin dētēctor revealer, equivalent to Latin dēteg ( ere ) to uncover, reveal ( detect ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

He said the smoke detector may not have sounded because the door of the bedroom was closed.

From BBC

Although they dress like nuns styled by Jean Paul Gaultier and hold titles like Reverend Mother, they adhere to a regimen of martial arts training and learn how to be living lie detectors.

From Salon

Polling places and locations where ballots are counted have beefed up security in advance of Tuesday’s election, deploying bomb- and firearm-sniffing dogs, metal detectors, panic buttons and even rooftop snipers to protect workers and voters.

From Los Angeles Times

Two layers of security fencing surround the building, as well as metal detectors and even rooftop snipers.

From Los Angeles Times

Employees in the DEA’s polygraph unit, which vets prospective agents, reported being pressured to pass candidates after they failed a lie detector test, report says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• radar