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Glite Dictionary
EDS

EDS

11 4.6
A machine that checks luggage for plastic explosives with X-rays
  • noun
  • /ˌiːˌdiːˈɛs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de detección de explosivos
  • During security checks, the EDS scans bags for hidden plastic explosives.
  • EDS analysis
  • EDS spectra
  • EDS profiles

Examples

  • The easy solution would be to run it through EDS or energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to confirm yes, yes, easy.

  • Colonel Brubaker has reaffirmed the completion of the EDS checks.

    Capricorn One (1977)

  • The elemental analysis was undertaken using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS) attached to the SEM apparatus.

    Academic text (2017)

  • The airport relies on an EDS to ensure that no explosives are smuggled in luggage.

  • Travelers must place their bags on the conveyor belt so the EDS can inspect them thoroughly.

Synonyms

explosive detection system
vsEDS
  • Specialized
3.7

A machine that uses X-rays and computers to find plastic explosives in luggage, often at airports

is less about speed and more about routine airport screening

Surface Forms

EDS singular
EDS plural

Morphology

EDS = explosive + detection + system (opaque) = E + D + S

EDS is an initialism whose letters do not transparently convey meaning to learners unless they know the expanded phrase 'explosive detection system'.

Etymology

EDS comes from the first letters of Explosive, Detection, and System, and 'detect' means 'find'. So an EDS is the machine at airports that uses X-rays and computers to 'find' plastic explosives in luggage.