radar
n
1 a method for detecting the position and velocity of a distant object, such as an aircraft. A narrow beam of extremely high-frequency radio pulses is transmitted and reflected by the object back to the transmitter, the signal being displayed on a radarscope. The direction of the reflected beam and the time between transmission and reception of a pulse determine the position of the object, (Former name)
radiolocation
2 the equipment used in such detection (C20 ra(dio) d(etecting) a(nd) r(anging))
radar astronomy
n the use of radar to map the surfaces of the planets, their satellites, and other bodies
radar beacon
n a device for transmitting a coded radar signal in response to a signal from an aircraft or ship. The coded signal is then used by the navigator to determine his position, (Also called)
racon
radar trap
n See →
speed trap
tracking radar
n a radar system emitting a narrow beam which oscillates about the target, thus compensating for abrupt changes of direction