pinger
nounUK /ˈpɪŋ.ə(ɹ)/ · US /ˈpɪŋ.ɚ/
Etymology From ping + -er.
1
A device that emits a short, high-pitched sound burst, such as in sonar or other echo location systems.
- We couldn't take the boat into the shallows near the reef because our sonar pinger was broken.
2
A device that periodically emits a signal that can be monitored to permit movement tracking.
- The scientist attached a pinger to the carapace of the sea turtle to track its migration.
3
A computer program that sends a ping message over a network.
- Some people like fancy pingers with extra features, but I always use the default ping application.
4
A user of a ping program; one who pings.
- Every time we replace the main page, we get flooded with pingers making sure our web site is still there.
5
Slang An illicit drug, especially ecstasy, taken for recreational purposes.
- That was a great party. Everyone took a pinger or two.