detector
nouncommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//dɪˈtɛktə(ɹ)//
A device capable of registering a specific substance or physical phenomenon, and that optionally sounds an alarm or triggers a warning.
noun
- 1
A device capable of registering a specific substance or physical phenomenon, and that optionally sounds an alarm or triggers a warning.
Smoke detectors are mandatory in public buildings.
At 2255, it passed a hot axle box detector at Great Bridgeford. No problem here - the detector detected no abnormal temperatures anywhere in the consist.
- 2
A device capable of registering a specific substance or physical phenomenon, and that optionally sounds an alarm or triggers a warning. An indicator showing the depth of the water in a boiler.
- 3
A device capable of registering a specific substance or physical phenomenon, and that optionally sounds an alarm or triggers a warning. A galvanometer, usually portable, for indicating the direction of a current.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dētēctor. Equals detect + -or (agent noun forming suffix).
Forms
- plural
- detectors
detector · A device capable of registering a specific substance or physical phenomenon, and that optionally sounds an alarm or triggers a warning.
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