interceptor

or in·ter·cept·er

[ in-ter-sep-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts.
2. Military. a fighter aircraft with fast-reaction capabilities, used to identify and, if appropriate, engage other aircraft in combat.

interceptor

/ ˌɪntəˈsɛptə /

noun

1. a person or thing that intercepts
2. a fast highly manoeuvrable fighter aircraft used to intercept enemy aircraft

Word History and Origins

Origin of interceptor¹

1590–1600; < Latin, equivalent to intercep- ( intercept ) + -tor -tor ( def )

Example Sentences

The interceptor tube’s diameter varies as it goes through the city, which complicates the task of figuring out its capacity for carrying waste to the treatment plant at any given moment.

From MIT Technology Review

This creates more room in the interceptor pipe for the sewers that need it.

From MIT Technology Review

Starting in 2010, EmNet began outfitting these new pipes with microprocessor-equipped valves that automatically open and close in response to real-time calculations gauging the capacity of the interceptor line they feed into.

From MIT Technology Review

Montestruque’s solution was an agent-based model in which valves at overflow diversion points “buy” capacity from the interceptor tube.

From MIT Technology Review

On good days, just before each line ends, a vertical throttle pipe diverts the sewage into an interceptor tube, which carries it to a treatment plant where solid pollutants and bacteria are filtered out.

From MIT Technology Review

The interceptor is still under development and has yet to undergo a flight intercept test.

From The Daily Beast

The Arrow-2 interceptor is already deployed and is designed to intercept targets during the latter stages of their flight.

From The Daily Beast

I wish I could detect the impudent interceptor—You have then at last condescended to visit Cohansie!

From Project Gutenberg

Thus he had to launch the interceptor when the missile was twenty-seven degrees from intercept.

From Project Gutenberg

The interceptor was lower to the northwest, cutting into their path.

From Project Gutenberg

Your ship carries half a dozen long-range interceptor rockets to handle any attack from Earth.

From Project Gutenberg

The interceptor missiles had to detect it, swing to intercept, to accelerate furiously.

From Project Gutenberg