Definition

Noun: * Explosive Trace Detection: A security system, primarily used at airports, that analyzes microscopic particles to identify the presence of explosive materials. An agent collects a sample by swabbing luggage or other items, which is then chemically analyzed by a machine.

Usage

ETD is a standard security procedure at airports worldwide. It is used to screen checked baggage, carry-on items, and sometimes passengers.

Examples

• Noun:
  • All suspicious bags are subjected to ETD screening.
  • The security officer performed an ETD check on the unattended suitcase.
  • The airport has installed new, more sensitive ETD machines.

Advanced Usage

• ETD swab: Refers specifically to the sampling tool used in the process.
  • The officer used an ETD swab on the laptop's keyboard.
• ETD machine/unit: Refers to the analytical device that processes the sample.
  • The ETD unit at the checkpoint alerted to a potential threat.

Variants and Related Words

• Explosive Trace Detector: The full, formal name for the device or system.
• Trace Detection: A more general term for the technological principle.

Synonyms

• Explosives screening
• Trace detection

Notes

• ETD is an initialism (each letter is pronounced: E-T-D).
• It is a specialized technical term from the fields of security and analytical chemistry.

Noun

1. a system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives