accelerometer

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌse-lə-ˈrä-mə-tər 

ak-

: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

Examples of accelerometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, researchers have used IMU and accelerometer data with neural-network classifiers to recognize lifting motions and payload weight in real time. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026

An algorithm — relying on accelerometers and GPS — analyzes movements 1,000 times per second to detect any potentially catastrophic falls. —Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026

Now, bobsleds contain accelerometers and gyroscopes that provide 100 data points every second. —Jared Perlo, NBC news, 4 Feb. 2026

Advanced fall detection systems utilize a fusion of sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and, in certain instances, barometric sensors, to detect the sudden pattern of motion and impact typical of falls. —Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French accéléromètre, from accélérer "to accelerate" (borrowed from Latin accelerāre) + -o- -o- + -mètre -meter

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for accelerometer

• interferometer
• potentiometer
• spectrophotometer
• anemometer
• audiometer
• densitometer
• diffractometer
• dilatometer
• dynamometer
• electrometer
• extensometer
• goniometer

Kids Definition

accelerometer

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈräm-ət-ər 

ak-

: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

Medical Definition

accelerometer

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈräm-ət-ər, ak- 

: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations