1. Any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner
   "The automatic door used a motion detector to detect approaching customers";
   - sensor, sensing element
    
2. Rectifier that extracts modulation from a radio carrier wave
   "The radio's detector converted the FM signal into an audio signal";
   - demodulator
    
3. Electronic equipment that detects the presence of radio signals or radioactivity
   "The Geiger counter's detector clicked rapidly near the radioactive source"

Derived forms: detectors

Type of: device, electronic equipment, rectifier

Part of: radio, radio receiver, radio set, receiving set, tuner, wireless

Encyclopedia: Detector