Usage Note
Transpondeur is a technical term used in aviation, navigation, and telecommunications for a device that receives a signal and automatically transmits a reply. In air traffic control, it identifies aircraft on radar. The word is a calque of English 'transponder' (transmitter + responder).
Examples
"Le pilote active le transpondeur avant le décollage."
Natural Translation
The pilot activates the transponder before takeoff.

Free starter pack
Building your French vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
5 min read
FrenchNow
5 min read