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Glite Dictionary
crystal detector

crystal detector

9.8
A simple radio part that uses a crystal and wire to turn signals into sound
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : detector de cristal
  • The crystal detector was crucial in early radio technology, allowing users to pick up signals without needing complex equipment.

Examples

  • He explained how a crystal detector functions by using a galena crystal to rectify incoming radio signals.

  • In vintage radios, a crystal detector can effectively convert radio waves into audible sound.

  • Each crystal detector is viewed by seven photomultiplier tubes.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The photomultipliers also record the places where the gamma rays strike the liquid and crystal detectors.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The scattered photon travels through the instrument and is absorbed in the lower crystal detector, where its scintillation is recorded by more photomultipliers.

    Academic text (1990)

Synonyms

detector
vscrystal detector
  • Specialized
52 4.4

An electronic part that turns radio waves into sound

is an early type using a fine wire on mineral to rectify radio signals

Surface Forms

crystal detector singular
crystal detectors plural

Morphology

crystal + detector

The compound is compositionally transparent: a B1 learner who knows 'crystal' (a piece of quartz) and 'detector' (a device that detects) can infer it is a detector that uses a crystal. While the technical historical details (fine wire, galena, rectification in radios) are specialized, the basic meaning — a detecting device employing a crystal — follows directly from the constituents and common noun+noun modification patterns.

Etymology

Crystal detector gets its name from the small crystal and the job of the detector. In early radios a thin wire touched the crystal to 'turn radio signals into sound', so the name shows what the device does.