Step 1: Understand what RADAR is.
RADAR is a technology that uses radio waves to detect and locate objects such as aircraft, ships, missiles, or weather formations. It was widely developed during World War II and remains essential in aviation, meteorology, and defense.
Step 2: Expand the acronym.
RADAR stands for Radio Detection And Ranging. It works by emitting radio waves, which bounce off objects and return to the receiver, revealing the object's distance and direction.
Step 3: Eliminate wrong expansions.
Radio displays, radio rays, and radio distance are incorrect interpretations. The universally accepted full form is radio detection and ranging.
\[ \boxed{\text{radio detection and ranging}} \]