Sniffer: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
sniffer
[ หsnษชfษr ]
security
A device or program used to detect unauthorized access to a network or computer system.
Synonyms
network analyzer, network monitor, packet sniffer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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sniffer |
A general term often used in informal or casual conversations to describe a tool or software that captures and analyzes network traffic.
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packet sniffer |
Specifically refers to tools that capture and analyze the individual packets of data transmitted over a network. Used in both troubleshooting and security contexts.
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network analyzer |
Typically used in professional or technical settings to describe more sophisticated tools designed to analyze network performance and diagnose issues.
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network monitor |
Used when referring to tools that continuously monitor the health, performance, and security of a network. It is more about ongoing surveillance rather than deep analysis.
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Examples of usage
- The company installed a sniffer to monitor network traffic.
- The sniffer detected a potential security breach.
informal
A person who detects or identifies something, especially a person who identifies fraudulent activities.
Synonyms
detective, investigator, spotter.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
sniffer |
Used informally or derogatorily to describe someone who is trying to find out hidden information, often in a sneaky or intrusive way.
|
detective |
Used in formal situations to describe a professional person whose job is to investigate crimes, often for a police department.
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investigator |
A neutral term used to describe someone who is involved in finding out facts, often in a professional or official capacity; not limited to crime.
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spotter |
Used to describe someone who observes or looks out for specific things, often related to hobbies or monitoring activities.
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Examples of usage
- He is known as the office sniffer for always uncovering office gossip.
- The sniffer quickly identified the counterfeit bills.
slang
A dog trained to detect certain odors, especially in police work or search and rescue missions.
Synonyms
K9 unit, detection dog, scent dog.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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sniffer |
Repeated word, already described. |
detection dog |
A more formal term used in professional settings to describe dogs trained to detect items such as explosives, drugs, or even certain diseases. Often used by law enforcement or military professionals.
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scent dog |
Used to describe dogs trained to follow a particular scent, often used in search and rescue operations. It can also refer to hunting dogs trained to track game.
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K9 unit |
Specifically refers to the police or military units that use specially trained dogs for various tasks including detection, tracking, and apprehension. This is a formal term used within law enforcement and military circles.
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Examples of usage
- The sniffer dog helped the police find the missing person.
- The airport employs sniffer dogs to detect drugs and explosives.
Translations
Translations of the word "sniffer" in other languages:
๐ต๐น farejador
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคเคเคจเฅ เคตเคพเคฒเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Schnรผffler
๐ฎ๐ฉ pengendus
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝัั ะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ wฤszyciel
๐ฏ๐ต ในใใใกใผ
๐ซ๐ท renifleur
๐ช๐ธ olfateador
๐น๐ท koklayฤฑcฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๊ฐ ํ์ง๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุณุชูุดู
๐จ๐ฟ ฤichaฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ ฤuchaฤ
๐จ๐ณ ๅ ๆขๅจ
๐ธ๐ฎ vohljaฤ
๐ฎ๐ธ รพefari
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะธััะบะตะณัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแงแแแกแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ iylษyici
๐ฒ๐ฝ olfateador
Etymology
The word 'sniffer' originated from the verb 'sniff', which dates back to the late 14th century. The sense of 'sniffer' as a device for detecting unauthorized access to a network or computer system emerged in the 1980s with the rise of computer technology. The informal usage of 'sniffer' to refer to a person who identifies something, especially fraud, has been around since the early 20th century. The slang meaning of 'sniffer' as a dog trained to detect odors in police work or search and rescue missions became popular in the 1960s.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #35,919, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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- 35920 noncorrosive
- 35921 persuader
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