Detector
/dɪˈtektər/
Definitions
A device or instrument used to discover or identify something.
/dɪˈtektər/
A device that detects something, especially the presence of a substance or object.
The security guard used a metal detector to screen visitors.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing hide-and-seek. A detector is like a super-powered seeker that can find hidden things! For example, a smoke detector finds smoke before you can see it.
👶 For kids: A detector is like a special tool that helps find things, like a smoke detector that finds smoke.
More Examples
The scientists used a radiation detector to measure the level of radioactivity.
Our home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
How It's Used
"A smoke detector alerted residents to the fire."
"The metal detector at the airport scanned the passengers for prohibited items."
"The new software includes a spam detector to filter unwanted emails."
From Latin *dētectōr* ('discoverer, revealer'), from *dētectus*, past participle of *dētegō* ('uncover, reveal'), from *dē-* ('off, away') + *tegō* ('to cover').
The word 'detector' started to gain popularity with the advent of early scientific instruments used to measure and monitor different phenomena in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a detective who uses clues to *detect* things. A detector is a tool that helps find those clues.
Word Origin
"to uncover or reveal"