Definition

1. Noun:
   • A method of detecting and determining the position of distant objects by using radio waves: Radiolocation is a technique that involves transmitting radio waves and analyzing the reflected signals (echoes) to find the location, distance, or speed of objects.

Usage

• Radiolocation is a key technology in modern navigation and surveillance systems.
• The term is often used in technical and historical contexts to describe early radar systems.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The development of radiolocation was crucial for air defense during World War II.
  • Maritime safety relies on advanced radiolocation to track ships in poor visibility.

Advanced Usage

• "passive radiolocation": A method that detects objects by listening for the radio waves they emit, rather than by sending out a signal and waiting for an echo.

Variants and Related Words

• Radar (n): A more common and specific system for radiolocation that uses microwave radiation. (Note: While 'radar' is a related technology, it is a specific implementation of the broader concept of radiolocation.)
• Radio detection and ranging: The full phrase from which the acronym 'radar' is derived; it is essentially synonymous with radiolocation.

Synonyms

• Radio detection: The process of finding objects via radio waves.
• Echo ranging: Determining distance by measuring the time for an echo to return.

Related Phrases

• Radio direction finding (RDF): A related technique for determining the direction of a radio source, which is a component of some radiolocation systems.

Noun

1. measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects