radio reflector
- noun
- /ˈreɪdioʊ rɪˈflɛktər/
- Specialized
:
reflector de radio
- The scientists used a radio reflector to observe distant galaxies emitting radio waves.
Examples
-
A radio reflector can reveal cosmic objects that are invisible in optical telescopes.
-
After repairs, the radio reflector was able to detect weak signals from a nearby pulsar.
-
The radio reflector captured signals from distant galaxies.
-
Many radio reflectors are used in modern astronomy.
-
A radio reflector collects signals from black holes, allowing astronomers to study their properties.
-
With the help of a radio reflector, scientists detected radio waves from a distant quasar.
-
The radio reflector was crucial in mapping the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Synonyms
8
4.4
A large dish that receives radio waves from space
Surface Forms
Morphology
Both constituents are semantically transparent: 'radio' (radio waves/broadcasting) and 'reflector' (a device that redirects radiation) combine to denote a device that reflects or collects radio waves. A B1 learner who knows these words can readily infer this refers to an instrument for gathering radio-frequency signals (i.e., a radio telescope), so the meaning is compositional. The noun-noun compounding pattern is common cross-linguistically, supporting immediate comprehensibility.
Etymology
The name radio reflector comes from the image of a large dish: the reflector bounces radio waves toward a receiver, like a mirror for invisible signals. So, the name means 'a telescope that collects and focuses radio waves from space'.