detector
/dɪˈtektə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈtektər/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈtek-tər/ (ame, mw)
detector — noun
- detectorsingular
- detectorsplural
1. An object built to locate or reveal something that would otherwise remain hidden
An object built to locate or reveal something that would otherwise remain hidden — including smoke, metal, movement, or dishonest answers
The smoke detector went off when the toast burned in the kitchen.
collocation: smoke detector
Airport security asked Esteban to empty his pockets before walking through the metal detector.
collocation: metal detector
A motion detector near the back door turns on the lights when someone passes by.
The lie detector test showed that the suspect was telling the truth about the money.
Min bought a carbon monoxide detector for the basement after the old furnace was repaired.
- sensor
A sensor detects physical input (heat, light, pressure) but does not always signal an alarm or identify a specific substance.
- alarm
Alarm focuses on the warning function; a detector may or may not include an audible alert.
- scanner
A scanner actively sweeps an area; a detector can be stationary and passive.
用法筆記
Commonly combined with the name of the substance being detected, as in smoke detector, metal detector, or lie detector.
常見錯誤
2. A specialized electronic device that picks up radio waves, electromagnetic field
A specialized electronic device that picks up radio waves, electromagnetic fields, or radioactive particles, typically used in scientific or technical work
The lab technician used a radiation detector to check for leaks near the storage room.
collocation: radiation detector
Luca pointed the wave detector at the wall and picked up a hidden listening device.
The team placed a signal detector near the testing area before the trial.
A Geiger counter is a common type of detector used to find harmful radiation.
- receiver
A receiver specifically processes incoming signals for output; a detector only registers their presence.
- probe
A probe is inserted into an environment for sampling; a detector can operate at a distance.
- Geiger counter
A Geiger counter is a specific type of radiation detector used in labs and field work.
用法筆記
In scientific contexts this sense overlaps with sensor, but detector usually implies identifying a specific substance or energy type, whereas sensor measures a physical quantity.