detector — a device that discovers or identifies the presence or existence of something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a device that discovers or identifies the presence or existence of something
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈtektər/
Example Sentences
- My dad's lie detector is his mom - she always knows when he's fibbing about eating the last piece of cake.
- The metal detector at the airport beeped because of my grandmother's hip replacement.
- Our cat acts like a motion detector - he appears instantly whenever we open a can of food.
detector
NOUN[/dɪˈtektər/]
a device that discovers or identifies the presence or existence of something

A small robot sweeps a laser detector across the sand, scanning for hidden objects.

On the DECK, a TECH detector scans beneath the surface.(de·tec·tor = DECK + TECH + -or (doer) → On a ship’s DECK, TECH becomes a detector → DECK + TECH → detect → detector)

The detector catches what you neglect — before it's too late to protect.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'detegere', meaning 'to uncover' or 'to expose'. The prefix 'de-' (away) combined with 'tegere' (to cover) creates the sense of removing a covering to reveal something hidden, much like uncovering concealed information.
Breakdown
detect (from Latin detegere, to uncover) + -or (agent suffix indicating one who performs an action). The suffix -or transforms the verb into a noun denoting an instrument or person that detects.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dad's lie detector is his mom - she always knows when he's fibbing about eating the last piece of cake.”
“The metal detector at the airport beeped because of my grandmother's hip replacement.”
“Our cat acts like a motion detector - he appears instantly whenever we open a can of food.”
“The earthquake detector recorded tremors that were too small for humans to feel.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.