detector

deh-tehk-TOR/deteɣˈtoɾ/

“detector” means “detector” in Spanish (a device that discovers the presence of something).

Also: sensor

📝 In Action

El detector de humo está en el techo.

The smoke detector is on the ceiling.

Tienes que pasar por el detector de metales.

You have to go through the metal detector.

Es difícil engañar a un detector de mentiras moderno.

It is difficult to fool a modern lie detector.

Words that translate to "detector" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the correct way to say 'the smoke detector'?

👥 Word Family▼

detección(detection) — Noun

detectable(detectable) — Adjective

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'detectus', which means 'to uncover' or 'to expose'. It literally means something that takes the cover off something hidden.

First recorded: 19th century (referring to technical instruments)

Cognates (Related words)

English: detectorFrench: détecteurItalian: rilevatore

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Is 'detector' used for computer software too?

Yes! You can use it for 'detector de virus' (virus scanner/detector) or 'detector de plagio' (plagiarism detector).

Does 'detector' have a feminine form?

No. Even if you are talking about a machine with a feminine name, the word 'detector' remains masculine.

What is the plural of 'detector'?

The plural is 'detectores'. We add '-es' because it ends in a consonant.