Smoke Detector: Meaning, Types & How to Install

Meaning 1：smoke detector (smoke detector)

smoke detector 🔊

/smoʊk dɪˈtɛktər/

A small device in a building that makes a loud noise when it senses smoke, to warn people about possible fire.

smoke detector 🔊

➕

/smoʊk dɪˈtɛktər/

A device that detects smoke and sounds an alarm to alert occupants of a potential fire.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combined from 'smoke' and 'detector' (Latin 'detegere' meaning uncover).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a detective sniffing out smoke to save lives.

📖 Example

The smoke detector beeped loudly, reminding us to change its battery for safety. 🔊 The smoke detector beeped loudly, reminding us to change its battery for safety.

🔗 Collocations

install a smoke detector – install a smoke detector

test the smoke detector – test the smoke detector

replace the smoke detector battery – replace the smoke detector battery

🔄 Synonyms

smoke alarm (n.) – A device that makes a loud noise when smoke is detected.

fire alarm (n.) – A system that alerts people to a fire, often includes smoke detectors.

📖 Cultural Story

Invented in the 1960s, the modern smoke detector became a standard home safety device after devastating fires, saving countless lives by early warning.