an instrument that detects the position or motion of objects and which operates similarly to a radar, but which uses laser radiation rather than microwaves
Word origin
C20: from li(ght) + (ra)dar
lidar in American English
(ˈlaɪˌdɑr)
noun
a meteorological instrument using transmitted and reflected laser light for detecting atmospheric particles, as pollutants, and determining their elevation, concentration, etc.