detector (detektor)

[Also detecter; A death-bed's a detector of the heart. Young, Night Thoughts, ii. 641. 2. An instrument or a device for indicating the presence or state of a thing. Specifically-(a) An arrangement of the parts of a lock by which any attempt to tamper with it is frustrated and indicated. (b) A low water indicator for boilers. (c) A form of galvanometer, generally small and convenient for transportation, which indicates the pa age of a current of electricity, showing its direction, but not its strength. Also called galvano scope. (d) An instrument for detecting the presence of torpedoes in an enemy's harbor. - Bank-note detector, in the United States, a periodical publication containing description of all bank-notes circulation, and a state ment of the standing of the banks represented by them, to facilitate the detection of forged, worthle , or depre. ciated notes. The public need of such an aid has greatly diminished since the control of paper currency was trans ferred from the States to the national government in 1864. See National Bank Act, under bank2, Sometimes written detecter . detector-lock (de-tek'tor-lok), n. A lock fitted with a device for indicating any attempt to pick or force it open.