mine detector: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Military
Quick answer
What does “mine detector” mean?
A device used to locate hidden explosive mines, typically by sensing metallic content.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device used to locate hidden explosive mines, typically by sensing metallic content.
Any system or tool designed to identify buried or concealed explosive devices; figuratively, a person or method that uncovers hidden dangers or problems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling: 'metre' vs 'meter' may appear in technical descriptions.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in relevant military/technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mine detector” in a Sentence
use a mine detectorsweep an area with a mine detectorthe mine detector beepsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mine detector” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The unit will mine-detect the perimeter.
- They are trained to mine-detect efficiently.
American English
- Soldiers mine-detect the road ahead.
- The robot is programmed to mine-detect autonomously.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The mine-detector team moved cautiously.
- We need a mine-detector capability.
American English
- The mine-detector unit arrived.
- They reviewed mine-detector technology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contracts for security or defence equipment.
Academic
Used in engineering, military history, or humanitarian studies papers.
Everyday
Very low. Only in discussions of war, news, or documentaries.
Technical
Primary context. Manuals, military training, demining reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mine detector”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mine detector”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mine detector”
- Using 'mine detector' for general metal detectors (e.g., at airports).
- Misspelling as 'mind detector'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While many mine detectors function by detecting metal, specialized ones are calibrated for explosives and may use other technologies like ground-penetrating radar.
Rarely, but it's possible, e.g., 'She's a mine detector for office gossip,' meaning she uncovers hidden information or trouble.
To 'sweep' an area is the common collocation (e.g., 'sweep for mines'). The verb 'to detect mines' is also used.
Primarily military and humanitarian demining. Sometimes similar technology is used in geological survey or archaeology, but it's not typically called a 'mine detector' in those fields.
A device used to locate hidden explosive mines, typically by sensing metallic content.
Mine detector is usually technical, military in register.
Mine detector: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪn dɪˈtɛktə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪn dəˈtɛktɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific compound]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MINE DETECTOR = Finds hidden 'mines' (danger) like a metal detector finds coins.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS HIDDEN / SAFETY IS REVEALING WHAT IS HIDDEN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mine detector' most precisely used?