sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯr 

ˈsen(t)-sər

1

: a device that responds to a physical stimulus (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)

2

: sense organ

Did you know?

Sensors are used today almost everywhere. Radar guns bounce microwaves off moving cars. A burglar alarm may use a photosensor to detect when a beam of light has been broken, or may use ultrasonic sound waves that bounce off moving objects. Still other sensors may detect pressure (barometers) or chemicals (Breathalyzers and smoke detectors). Stud finders, used by carpenters to locate wooden studs under a wall, may employ magnets or radar. Wired gloves, which relay information about the position of the fingers, are used in virtual-reality environments. A cheap car alarm may be nothing but a shock sensor, in which a strong vibration will cause two metal surfaces to come together.

Synonyms

• detector

Examples of sensor in a Sentence

Image sensors are used in digital cameras.

Infrared sensors can track an object's movement.

Recent Examples on the Web

And for those who love a bit of control, it’s got a light sensor that adjusts brightness based on your room’s vibe. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2023

In this case, the leading indicators may look quite different: • The alarm is installed in all of the locations in your house, so nobody can move through your house without being notified by the alarm sensors. —Laura Bell Main, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

If your prosthetic is slipping around due to sweat, those sensors might end up unaligned with their intended placements, compromising your function. —Chloé Valentine Toscano, Allure, 30 Nov. 2023

Fiber optic sensors are multifunctional, so they can be installed and used for any number of purposes, detecting cicadas one day and some other disturbance the next. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Nov. 2023

There are a few things missing here, including sensors for auto-pause and multi-band EQ. —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2023

All computation and rendering, aside from some sensor data, is handled by a connected PC. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Nov. 2023

Keep your home safe with deals on security tech like a Ring video doorbell, motion sensor outdoor lights, and a wireless camera to keep an eye on your pet. —Allison Faccenda, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2023

The straightener’s smart heat sensor adapts to your hair type so there’s overall less hair spillage on the sides of the plates and no flyaway hairs. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Latin sentire to perceive + English -or entry 1 — more at sense

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

ˈsen(t)-sər

: a device that detects a physical quantity (as a movement or a beam of light) and responds by transmitting a signal

Medical Definition

sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r  ˈsen(t)-sər 

: a device that responds to a physical stimulus (as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)

also : sense organ