Radar

/ˈreɪdɑr/ noun

Definition

A technology that uses radio waves to detect the location, distance, and movement of objects like airplanes or weather systems.

Etymology

An acronym created in the 1940s from 'RAdio Detection And Ranging,' blending radio science with military needs during World War II. It's a backronym that became so useful it became a regular word.

Kelly Says

Radar was invented during WWII to detect enemy aircraft, but it was so secret that they had to invent a catchy acronym to hide what it really did—now we use it to track thunderstorms and speed checks, and almost no one remembers what the letters stand for!

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