biosensor

noun

bio·​sen·​sor ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ˈsen-ˌsȯr 

-ˈsen(t)-sər

: a device that monitors and transmits information about a life process

especially : a device consisting of a biological component (such as an enzyme or bacterium) that reacts with a target substance and an electrochemical or optical component that detects the resulting products or by-products and emits a signal

Examples of biosensor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By revealing how electrons behave in left- and right-handed molecules, the discovery opens doors to more precise drug testing, molecular electronics, spintronics, and next-generation biosensors. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025

The latest over-the-counter biosensors—such as Dexcom’s Stelo and Abbott’s Lingo—can now be purchased without a prescription. —Daryl Austin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

The pocket-sized biosensor quickly and accurately detects breast cancer by measuring biomarkers in saliva samples. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025

This study’s detection is done with label-free impedance biosensors. —Diya Dwarakanath, IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biosensor

• condenser
• dispenser
• extensor
• censer
• censor
• denser
• fencer
• sensor
• tensor

Medical Definition

biosensor

noun

bio·​sen·​sor ˈbī-ō-ˌsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r, -ˌsen(t)-sər 

: a device that monitors and transmits information about a life process

especially : a device consisting of a biological component (such as an enzyme or bacterium) that reacts with a target substance and an electrochemical or optical component that detects the resulting products or by-products and emits a signal

New biosensors that can sniff out traces of the explosives RDX and TNT may be used to help clean up old munitions sites.

—Science News