telemetry

noun

te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈle-mə-trē 

1

: the science or process of telemetering data

2

: data transmitted by telemetry

3

: biotelemetry

telemetric

ˌte-lə-ˈme-trik 

adjective

telemetrically

ˌte-lə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Telemetry is used to obtain data on the internal functioning of missiles, rockets, unmanned planes, satellites, and probes, providing data on such factors as position, altitude, and speed as well as conditions like temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and radiation. Weather forecasters rely on telemetry to map weather patterns. Astronauts on the space shuttle are monitored with telemetry that measures and transmits readings on their blood pressure, respiration, and heart rates. Similar kinds of telemetry are used by biologists to study animals in the wild and keep track of their populations and movements. Telemetry is also widely used in modern agriculture, often to regulate irrigation.

Examples of telemetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Start with the business use case; quantify value across automation, revenue, risk reduction, regulatory impact and customer outcomes; and then compare it with the full AI cost across infrastructure, security, telemetry, controls and operations. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

With initial flight tests complete, engineers have begun analyzing onboard telemetry to gauge the craft’s commercial limits. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

After assessing telemetry, Elon Musk's flight control team decided the spacecraft was otherwise healthy and a second engine firing using a single Raptor engine completed the climb to orbit. — William Harwood, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

In addition, the vehicle provides flight controllers with continuous telemetry data. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

telemetry

noun

te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈlem-ə-trē 

1

: the process of transmitting data by telemeter

2

: data transmitted by telemetry

Medical Definition

telemetry

noun

te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈlem-ə-trē 

plural telemetries

1

: the science or process of telemetering data

2

: data transmitted by telemetry

3

: biotelemetry

telemetric

ˌtel-ə-ˈme-trik 

adjective

telemetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb