sensor

[ sen-sawr, -ser ]

noun

1. a mechanical device sensitive to light, temperature, radiation level, or the like, that transmits a signal to a measuring or control instrument.
2. a sense organ.

sensor

/ ˈsɛnsə /

noun

1. anything, such as a photoelectric cell, that receives a signal or stimulus and responds to it

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensor¹

First recorded in 1925–30; sense + -or ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensor¹

C19: from Latin sēnsus perceived, from sentīre to observe

Example Sentences

The inner ear’s sensor is then “stimulated, and stimulated in the opposite direction, and will give the pilot the perception that they are not level, but they are actually banking to the right.”

From Popular-Science

Touch-screen controls, custom algorithms for different types of bread products, fast-heat technology, and smart temperature sensors all play a role in delivering the best bagels, the crunchiest English muffins, and perfectly browned buns.

From Popular-Science

Durable and water-resistant, these are also equipped with touch sensors so you can still use your phone.

From Popular-Science

Users could simply press a finger against the sensor and get a heart reading in seconds.

From Ars Technica

Spot is equipped with a series of cameras and sensors, enabling the robot and its operator to see and respond to the world.

From Washington Post

Tosi has been using cereal milk as a flavor ever since 2007, and she says it taps into a universal “memory sensor.”

From The Daily Beast

That means Japanese whiskies are beautifully balanced and elegant; they touch and develop on every sensor on the palate.

From The Daily Beast

The SunSprite has a UV sensor, which warns you when the rays get intense enough to cause sunburn.

From The Daily Beast

U.S. combat aircraft have their own sensor packages that verify targets and check for potential harm to nearby civilians.

From The Daily Beast

Rodenhouse typed “sensor-embedded nails” into a shared document while they were brainstorming.

From The Daily Beast

One day my heat sensor detected a man standing outside my front door.

From Project Gutenberg

Sensor technologies are grouped into four areas: active, passive, imbedded, and processing.

From Project Gutenberg

This will require substantial sensor, computational, and communication technologies.

From Project Gutenberg

There are many other important active sensor classes, three of which are active acoustics, lidar and magnetic anomaly detectors.

From Project Gutenberg

When you shot down that sensor, the starship did not retaliate, but went on without taking any notice of you.

From Project Gutenberg