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Radar per Wiktionary

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.[1][2]

The verb is probably derived from the noun.

Pronunciation

Noun

radar (countable and uncountable, plural radars) (originally US)

  1. (uncountable) 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. Alternative form: RADAR (alternative letter-case form, dated)Coordinate terms: lidar (uses light waves), sodar (uses sound waves), sonar (uses sound waves)

They were able to find the enemy fleet using radar.

    1. (uncountable, by extension) 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.
    2. (countable) 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.

The Ministry of Defence funded the development of an entirely new radar and improved avionics.

    1. (countable) An 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.

  1. (uncountable, by extension) 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.
  2. (countable, figurative) A superior ability to detect something; an awareness, an intuition.

His sensitive radar for hidden alliances keeps him out of trouble.

Acronym of ra**dio *d**etection a**nd r**anging. Coined by the United States Navy in 1940. The lowercase form (radar*) is by anacronymic evolution.

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radar - Wiktionary, the free dictionary