Word
transponder
Phoneticstranspon·der
US/tɹænˈspɑndɝ/
UK/tɹænspˈɒndɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a piece of equipment that receives a radio signal and automatically sends a different signal back. You find these on planes and ships so that radar can identify them.
n. an electronic device that emits a response upon receiving a specific radio-frequency interrogation signal. Commonly used in aviation and maritime contexts for identification and tracking.
Examples
“The pilot turned on the transponder before takeoff.”
“Air traffic control lost the aircraft's position on the screen after its transponder stopped transmitting.”
“Modern satellite communications rely on multiple transponders to receive signals from Earth and retransmit them across a broad geographic area on different frequencies to avoid interference.”
Examples
simple
“The pilot turned on the transponder before takeoff.”
contextual
“Air traffic control lost the aircraft's position on the screen after its transponder stopped transmitting.”
complex
“Modern satellite communications rely on multiple transponders to receive signals from Earth and retransmit them across a broad geographic area on different frequencies to avoid interference.”
Usage
Often used in technical contexts involving telecommunications, aviation, or satellite technology.
Real-World Examples
“Baker explains that veterinarians use the same type of transponder tags to identify cats and dogs .” “In reality many of the ships that used the unknown routes probably turned off their transponders and used US protection along the Oman route.” Etymology
Blend of transmitter + responder.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/transponder