Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Detonator \Det"o*na`tor\, n.
   One that detonates; specif.:
   (a) An explosive whose action is practically instantaneous.
   (b) Something used to detonate a charge, as a detonating
       fuse.
   (c) A case containing detonating powder, the explosion of
       which serves as a signal, as on railroads.
   (d) A gun fired by a percussion cap. [Obs.]

Detonator \Det"o*na`tor\ (d[e^]t"[-o]*n[=a]`t[~e]r), n.
   One who, or that which, detonates.

Source : WordNet®

detonator
     n : a mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small
         amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction
         of a disrupting explosive [syn: {detonating device}, {cap}]