detector
5 synonyms for detector, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A device that senses and signals the presence of a particular substance or condition.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
demodulator
How to use detector
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
smoke detector
metal detector
lie detector
Etymology
From Latin detector, "one who uncovers" — from detegere plus the agent suffix -or.
Full origin of detector →Frequently asked questions
What does “detector” mean?
The word “detector” means a device that senses and signals the presence of a particular substance or condition. In plain terms, a device that senses something specific, like smoke, metal, or motion.
How do you pronounce “detector”?
“Detector” is pronounced dih-TEHK-tuh (/dɪˈtɛktə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “detector” in a sentence?
Here is “detector” used in a sentence: “The smoke detector went off when the toast burned.”
What part of speech is “detector”?
“Detector” is a noun.
Where does the word “detector” come from?
The word “detector” comes from Latin. From Latin detector, "one who uncovers" — from detegere plus the agent suffix -or.
Is “detector” a common word?
“Detector” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a detector and a sensor?
A detector is a device built to sense and signal the presence of a specific substance or condition, such as smoke or metal, while a sensor is the broader term for any component that measures a physical property, such as light or temperature. Many detectors contain sensors as their core component.
What is the difference between a detector and an alarm?
A detector senses the presence of something, such as smoke or gas, while an alarm is the audible or visual signal that alerts people once a condition is detected. A smoke detector typically includes both the sensing element and the alarm that sounds.
What are common types of detectors?
Common types include smoke detectors, metal detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and lie detectors, each designed to sense a specific substance or condition and signal its presence.
