metal detector
Definition
- Noun:
- A device that signals the presence of metal: A "metal detector" is an electronic instrument that emits an audible or visual signal when it senses nearby metallic objects. It is commonly used for security screening, archaeological exploration, or locating lost items.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Security personnel used a metal detector to screen passengers at the airport.
- The treasure hunter swept the beach with his metal detector, hoping to find coins.
- Before the surgery, the nurse passed a handheld metal detector over the patient to check for any metallic implants.
Advanced Usage
"To pass through a metal detector": To walk through the archway of a stationary metal detector for security checks.
- All visitors must pass through a metal detector before entering the courthouse.
"To set off a metal detector": To cause a metal detector to alarm, typically by carrying a metallic object.
- My belt buckle always sets off the metal detector at the airport.
Variants and Related Words
Detector (n): A general device for discovering the presence of something.
- The smoke detector alerted us to the fire.
Security scanner (n): A broader term for devices, including metal detectors, used to check for prohibited items.
Synonyms
- Metal scanner: A device that scans for metallic objects.
- Magnetic detector: A less common term emphasizing the magnetic sensing principle.
Related Phrases
Walk-through metal detector: A large, arch-shaped detector that people walk through.
- The entrance was guarded by a walk-through metal detector.
Handheld metal detector / Hand-held wand: A portable, wand-shaped detector used for more precise, localized scanning.
- The guard used a handheld metal detector for a secondary check.
Related Idioms
(This specific technical term is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)
Noun
-
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
