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Definition of 'detector'

Word Frequency

detector

(dɪtektəʳ )
Word forms: plural detectors
countable noun [oft noun NOUN]
A detector is an instrument which is used to discover that something is present somewhere, or to measure how much of something there is.
...a metal detector.
...fire alarms and smoke detectors.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Video: pronunciation of 'detector'

Word Frequency

detector in British

(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
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency

detector in American

(diˈtɛktər ; dētekˈtər; dɪˈtɛktər ; ditekˈtər; also, esp. for 2 & 3, ˈdiˌtɛktər ; dēˈtekˌtər)
noun
1. 
a person or thing that detects
2. 
an apparatus or device for indicating the presence of something, as electric waves
3. 
demodulator
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word Frequency

detector in Electrical Engineering

(dɪtɛktər)
Word forms: (regular plural) detectors
noun
(Electrical engineering: Semiconductor and electronic circuitry)
A detector is an instrument to detect the unbalance in a bridge circuit.
The further down the chain toward the output that a detector is placed, the more effect the non-linear distortion will have on the detection function.
The circuit acts as a phase detector by comparing the frequency of an oscillator with an incoming signal and then feeding back the output to keep the oscillator in phase with the incoming frequency.
A detector is an instrument to detect the unbalance in a bridge circuit.
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Example sentences containing 'detector'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
Electronic boundary systems usually use detector wires buried in the ground or strung along fences. Times, Sunday Times (2016)But the treats are supposed to be subjected to a metal detector before leaving the factory. The Sun (2016) Metal detectors are already in place and the men weren't found to have offensive weapons. The Sun (2016)In a gesture that life must go on, the management has decided not to install metal detectors. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Officers from North Yorkshire police searched the field yesterday with metal detectors. Times, Sunday Times (2017)MPs are easy enough to protect in the Palace of Westminster with its guards and metal detectors. The Sun (2017)He borrowed a metal detector and found the ring after a third, three-hour scour. The Sun (2017)Essentially, like the man with the metal detector, take small steps and enjoy the hunting. Times, Sunday Times (2016)I would take a lie detector (sic). The Sun (2016)A SIMPLE blood test that works like a smoke detector and spots cancer before symptoms appear could save thousands of lives. The Sun (2016)The first is that lie detectors are born and not made. Times, Sunday Times (2012)The tabloid press says lie detectors will be used. Times, Sunday Times (2013)The museum is heavily guarded and all visitors have to pass through metal detectors. The Sun (2009)You can have a positive emotional attachment to a smoke detector or a thermostat. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Are they honestly suggesting it can be a lie detector? Times, Sunday Times (2007)More than three quarters of them were discovered with the aid of metal detectors. Times, Sunday Times (2007)It is a pocket smoke detector but also contains a motion sensor. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Learn to use bat detectors to listen for ultrasound calls. Times, Sunday Times (2015)It also included plastic weapons designed to evade metal detectors. The Sun (2014)Firefighters said that there were no working smoke detectors in the house. Times, Sunday Times (2009)And he will challenge those who claim to have been turned straight to take a lie detector test. The Sun (2014)Yet fatal stabbings are now so common that schools are using metal detectors and putting police in the classroom. The Sun (2007)Vehicles are searched and all visitors have to pass through metal detectors and show the contents of their bags. Times, Sunday Times (2009)It will be the middle classes who are connected up to the lie detector and asked about their tax affairs. Times, Sunday Times (2010)He used radar detectors and a switch to dim rear lights to dodge the police and lots of cold coffee. Times, Sunday Times (2013)The frequencies had to be changed to ensure that soldiers could use their radios and bomb detectors at the same time. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Two couples take a lie detector test... will their love survive the results? The Sun (2008)The search for a reliable lie detector has been going on for centuries, with limited success. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Portuguese police do not routinely use lie detectors and it is highly unlikely that the results could be used in any future trial. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Or who don't have smoke detectors in their house. Times, Sunday Times (2013)

Trends of 'detector'

In Common Usage. detector is one of the 10000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Translations for 'detector'

British English: detector NOUN
A detector is an instrument which is used to discover that something is present somewhere, or to measure how much of something there is.
...a metal detector.
  • American English: detector
  • Brazilian Portuguese: detector
  • Chinese: 探测器
  • European Spanish: detector
  • French: détecteur
  • German: Detektor
  • Italian: rivelatore
  • Japanese: 探知機
  • Korean: 탐지기
  • European Portuguese: detetor
  • Spanish: detector

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Nearby words of 'detector'

  • detective-like
  • detectivist
  • detectophone
  • detector
  • detector van
  • detectorist
  • detent

  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'D'

Related Terms of 'detector'

  • detector van
  • lie detector
  • mine detector
  • metal detector
  • smoke detector

  • View more related words

Source

Definition of detector from the Collins English Dictionary

The semicolon ( ; )

The semicolon is used to mark a break between two main clauses when there is a balance or a contrast between the clauses. Compare: The engine roared into life. The propellers began to turn. The p...
Read more about 'The semicolon ( ; )'
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Scrabble score for 'detector': 11
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