TechnologyJune 16, 2026

interceptor

ˌɪntərˈsɛptər

Definition

A device, vehicle, or system specifically designed to detect, track, and disable or destroy an incoming aerial threat before it reaches its target.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'interceptus,' meaning 'to catch between' or 'to cut off.' It entered English through the verb 'intercept,' which evolved from the Latin 'inter' (between) and 'capere' (to take).

In the news

In this article, the term refers to specialized A.I.-powered drones that Ukraine uses to autonomously identify and collide with incoming Russian Shahed drones to neutralize them in mid-air.

How Ukraine Uses A.I. to Knock Deadly Russian Drones Out of the Skies

Read the full article ↗

The New York Times

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