detector

/dɪˈtɛkɾər/

/dɪˈtɛktə/

Other forms: detectors

A detector is a machine that responds to particular substances in a consistent way. Everyone who flies on an airplane must pass through a metal detector, which beeps when it senses metal.

A "lie detector" works by measuring pulse and eye movements as a person responds to a series of questions. A radioactivity detector looks for high levels of radioactivity in nuclear power plants. Since the invention of detectors, the idea of more fantastical detectors has filled the human imagination. A love detector: why not?

Definitions of detector

1. noun

   any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner
   synonyms: sensing element, sensor

   types:

   metal detector

   detector that gives a signal when it detects the presence of metal; used to detect the presence of stray bits of metal in food products or to find buried metal

   mine detector

   detector consisting of an electromagnetic device; used to locate explosive mines

   electric eye, magic eye, photocell, photoconductive cell, photoelectric cell

   a transducer used to detect and measure light and other radiations

   trace detector

   a screening device for traces of explosives; used at airline terminals

   selenium cell

   a photoelectric cell that uses a strip of selenium

   type of:

   device

   an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
2. noun

   electronic equipment that detects the presence of radio signals or radioactivity
   types:

   crystal detector

   a detector consisting of a fine wire in contact with a galena crystal; acts as a rectifier

   electronic scanner, scanner

   a radio receiver that moves automatically across some selected range of frequencies looking for some signal or condition

   type of:

   electronic equipment, electronics

   equipment that involves the controlled conduction of electrons (especially in a gas or vacuum or semiconductor)
3. noun

   rectifier that extracts modulation from a radio carrier wave
   synonyms: demodulator

   type of:

   rectifier

   electrical device that transforms alternating into direct current