A device or instrument that finds, senses, or identifies the presence of something, like a metal detector or smoke detector.
From Latin 'detectus' (uncovered, revealed) + '-or' (one who does something). The root 'detect' comes from 'de-' (away) + 'tegere' (to cover), so literally 'to uncover' or 'to discover.'
The first metal detectors were invented during World War I to locate shrapnel in wounded soldiers' bodies, but today they're most famous for airport security and treasure hunting—a perfect example of how military inventions become part of everyday life.
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