measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects
"The airport security team uses advanced radar to precisely measure the distance and speed of approaching aircraft."
A method of detecting distant objects and determining their position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysis of sent radio waves (usually microwaves) reflected from their surfaces
"The pilot adjusted his radar to get a clearer picture of the storm ahead."
Acronym of radio detection and ranging.
In plain English: Radar is a system that uses radio waves to find out how far away objects are and how fast they are moving.
"The security guard used radar to detect the incoming airplane."
To scan with radar, or as if with radar.
"The security guard kept a sharp eye on the parking lot to watch for any suspicious vehicles entering after hours."
In plain English: To radar something means to find its location by bouncing radio waves off it.
"The security team can radar any suspicious activity in the crowd from their tower."
Usage: Use this verb to describe scanning an area quickly and systematically, often implying the detection of hidden details like saying you can't miss anything in your search. It is commonly used metaphorically for thorough investigations rather than literal electronic surveillance.
Radar originated as an acronym for "radio detection and ranging," a term coined by two U.S. Navy officers in November 1940 to describe the technology that uses radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance. The word traveled into common English usage from this technical military designation, eventually leading to the verb form meaning to scan or locate something using radar equipment.