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Radar

//ˈɹeɪdɑː// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun

1
In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method. uncountable
"They were able to find the enemy fleet using radar."
2
Alternative letter-case form of radar. alt-of, dated
"Police traffic RADARs can provide a speed reading on a detected target, but they cannot measure the range to the target."
3
measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects wordnet
4
In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.; In full secondary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing signals transmitted by the object in response to radio waves sent towards the object. broadly, uncountable
5
In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.; Often preceded by a descriptive word: a system using one of the above detection methods, differentiated by configuration or platform, frequency, power, and other technical attributes. countable
"The Ministry of Defence funded the development of an entirely new radar and improved avionics."

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6
In full primary radar: a method of detecting a distant object and determining its position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysing radio waves (usually microwaves) which are sent towards the object and which reflect off its surfaces; also, the field of study of this method.; An installation of the apparatus for operating one of the above detection systems. countable
"Each of these aircraft has been upgraded with a new radar and a more powerful engine."
7
Often preceded by a descriptive word: a natural (for example, in an animal such as a bat) or human-made detection method based on the analysis of reflected signals other than radio waves, as light waves or sound waves; (countable) an instance of this. broadly, uncountable
8
A superior ability to detect something; an awareness, an intuition. countable, figuratively
"His sensitive radar for hidden alliances keeps him out of trouble."

Verb

1
To use a radar apparatus (noun noun sense 1, noun sense 1.1, or noun sense 2) on (someone or something); to scan (someone or something) with, or as if with, radar. transitive
"This was no ordinary signal for help that Baby-John was radaring to outer space, but a call that had to be heeded, for he had just seen two hard guys go down for the final count— […]"

Etymology

Etymology 1

The noun is derived from RADAR by anacronymic evolution. RADAR is an acronym of ra(dio) d(etection) a(nd) r(anging) which was coined by Lieutenant-Commander Samuel M. Tucker and Lieutenant-Commander F. R. Furth of the United States Navy in November 1940. The verb is probably derived from the noun.

Etymology 2

Etymology 3

Acronym of radio detection and ranging. Coined by the United States Navy in 1940. The lowercase form (radar) is by anacronymic evolution.

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