Word
detector
Phoneticsde·tec·tor, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈtɛktɝ/
UK/dɪtˈɛktɐ/
Definitions
01safety or security device
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a device that finds something hidden or dangerous and often makes a sound to warn you.
n. an instrument designed to sense and signal the presence of a specific physical stimulus, such as smoke, heat, or radiation.
“The smoke detector started beeping because I burnt the toast.”
“The building's fire safety system includes a sensitive smoke detector in every hallway to ensure rapid evacuation in an emergency.”
Usage
often used in compound nouns like 'smoke detector' or 'metal detector'.
02signal receiver
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a part of a radio or electronic machine that picks up a signal and changes it into sound or information.
n. a circuit or component in a receiver that extracts information from a modulated carrier wave.
“The radio uses a small detector to turn the signal into music.”
“In early wireless telegraphy, the coherer served as a primitive detector of radio waves before more reliable vacuum tubes were developed.”
Usage
typically used in the context of electronics, physics, or telecommunications.
Synonyms
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dētēctor. Equals detect + -or (agent noun forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/detector