metal detector

Friendly

Word: Metal Detector

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A metal detector is a device that makes a sound or gives a signal when it finds metal objects. People use metal detectors to look for things like coins, jewelry, or even old tools that are buried in the ground. They can also be used in factories to check food products for any small pieces of metal that might accidentally be mixed in.

Usage Instructions:

• Metal detectors are often used by treasure hunters, security personnel, and in various industries.
• When using a metal detector, you typically move the device over the ground slowly. When it detects metal, it will beep or make some other sound to alert you.

Example:

• "The treasure hunter used his metal detector at the beach and found an old silver coin."

Advanced Usage:

• Metal detectors can vary in type. Some are designed for specific purposes, like detecting metal in food production, while others are made for recreational use, like treasure hunting.

Word Variants:

• Metal Detecting (noun): The activity of searching for metal objects using a metal detector.
• Metal Detectorist (noun): A person who uses a metal detector to search for buried metal objects.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, "detector" can refer to any device that identifies or detects something, not just metal. For example, a smoke detector identifies smoke in the air.

Synonyms:

• Sensor (in a general context)
• Locator (in some contexts)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to “metal detector,” but you might say someone is “on the lookout” if they are searching for something, similar to how one might use a metal detector to find hidden items.

Summary:

A metal detector is a useful tool for finding metal objects, whether for fun or safety.

Academic

Noun

1. detector that gives a signal when it detects the presence of metal; used to detect the presence of stray bits of metal in food products or to find buried metal