2 definitions
for detonator
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :
Detonator \Det"o*na`tor\ (d[e^]t"[-o]*n[=a]`t[~e]r), n.
One that detonates; specif.:
(a) An explosive whose action is practically instantaneous.
(b) Something used to detonate a charge, as a detonating
fuse.
(c) A case containing detonating powder, the explosion of
which serves as a signal, as on railroads.
(d) A gun fired by a percussion cap. [Obs.]
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
From WordNet (r) 2.0 :
detonator
n : a mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small
amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction
of a disrupting explosive [syn: detonating device, cap]