/ˈɹeɪdɑː/, /ˈɹeɪˌdɑɹ/
OriginThe 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.
- uncountableIn 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.
“They were able to find the enemy fleet using radar.”
“Although operational environments profoundly differ, both kinds of autonomous vehicles, groundcraft and aircraft, will still rely on conceptually the same sorts of sensors — cameras, radar and lidar —”
- broadly, uncountableIn 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.
- countableOften 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.
“The Ministry of Defence funded the development of an entirely new radar and improved avionics.”
“Evidence as to the audio monitor's reading is required to prove the [police] officer used the radar unit properly, and must be shown in order to secure a conviction for speeding when using radar.”
- countableAn installation of the apparatus for operating one of the above detection systems.
“Each of these aircraft has been upgraded with a new radar and a more powerful engine.”
“[T]he [depth] bombs must be tied to a grid of listening devices, radars and plotting instruments.”
- broadly, uncountableOften 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.
- countable, figurativelyA superior ability to detect something; an awareness, an intuition.
“His sensitive radar for hidden alliances keeps him out of trouble.”
“Stanley: Geez, how'd ya know? / Happy: I got radar or something.”
“It [a goal] came inside 50 minutes and moments later [Edinson] Cavani should have had a 12th. [Paul] Pogba and [Luke] Shaw combined before the left-back's cross teed up the striker but his radar was a”
- alt-of, datedAlternative letter-case form of radar.
“Police traffic RADARs can provide a speed reading on a detected target, but they cannot measure the range to the target.”
“Multiple RADARs can be mounted at different parts of the vehicle, front and rear, to get the complete view of objects all round.”
- transitiveTo 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.
“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— […]”
“I don't think men are born on this planet. I think men are born on the planet Pluto and they have them molecularly disassembled and radar-ed to the earth.”
“You want to cross-examine an officer about his competence with regards to radar and the radar he used to ticket you with. He radars you while he's sitting in his patrol vehicle under a bridge.”
Formsradars(plural) · radars(present, singular, third-person) · radaring(participle, present) · radared(participle, past) · radared(past) · RADARs(plural)