Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of radar specifically designed to detect and display atmospheric phenomena: "weather radar" refers to a specialized radar system that identifies, measures, and maps meteorological features such as clouds, precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, hail), and their intensity and movement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The meteorologist checked the weather radar to track the approaching storm.
  • Modern weather radar can distinguish between rain, snow, and hail.
  • Pilots rely on weather radar to avoid areas of severe turbulence.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on the weather radar": to be detected or monitored by a weather radar system; (figuratively) to be noticed or considered as a significant issue or trend.
  • The new storm system is now on the weather radar. (Literal)
  • Climate change has been on the weather radar of scientists for decades. (Figurative)

Variants and Related Words

• Radar (n): A general system for detecting objects and determining their distance and speed using radio waves.
• Doppler radar (n): A specific type of radar that uses the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of detected objects, commonly used in modern weather radar systems to track wind speed and rotation within storms.
• Precipitation (n): Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground (e.g., rain, snow).

Synonyms

• Meteorological radar: A more formal term for radar used in weather observation.
• Storm radar: A term sometimes used, particularly emphasizing the detection of severe weather systems.

Related Phrases

• Radar echo: The signal reflected back to the radar, which appears as a blotch on the display screen, indicating the location and intensity of precipitation.
  • A strong radar echo indicated heavy rainfall over the city.

Related Idioms

• To fall off the radar: To cease to be detected or noticed. (Note: This is a general idiom using "radar," not specific to "weather radar," but is a common related expression).
  • After the news cycle ended, the issue fell off the public's radar.

Noun

1. radar that is able to detect clouds and precipitation