sensor
noun
ˈsen(t)-sər \
Definition of sensor
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
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of sensor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the cameras were foiled by high prices, a one-inch sensor that was smaller than those used by the competition, and a confusing naming scheme. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "Nikon discontinues its Nikon 1 lineup of mirrorless cameras," 11 July 2018 If a sensor detects motion, the Internet hub will send a push notification through the app. — Necee Regis, BostonGlobe.com, "A new Nantucket hotel, Cayman Islands refunds, and other tidbits," 26 June 2018 In April, a group of eighth graders received a top prize in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow national competition for the design of a football helmet with a sensor that can detect concussions. — Julie Lasky, New York Times, "Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Quiet and Neat as a Pin," 20 June 2018 Instead of relying on visual input from a camera or other sort of sensor system, the Cheetah 3 is designed to be able to feel its way around the environment, which could make uniquely suited to traverse unpredictable and/or pitch black spaces. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "MIT's Cheetah 3 Has a Precision Pounce," 5 July 2018 With the new sensors, the project is expected to cover a larger area — outside of San Ysidro — including nearby regions of Otay Mesa and the eastern edge of Imperial Beach. — David Hernandez, sandiegouniontribune.com, "State funds to expand San Ysidro air quality project," 5 July 2018 To fix Apple Maps, the report said that the company outfitted a squad of vans with sensors and sent them to collect updated mapping data in a number of cities. — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, "Apple Maps Is Undergoing a Major Overhaul to Improve Its Accuracy," 29 June 2018 Railroads across the country are complying with a mandate to install Positive Train Control, a computerized system operated with sensors that will stop a train if an engineer can’t. — Carole Carlson, Post-Tribune, "South Shore fare hike takes effect Sunday," 28 June 2018 Here’s what truckers on I-4 had to say about the sensor system last October. — Martin E. Comas, OrlandoSentinel.com, "New sensors alert truckers to open spaces on I-4 rest area in Seminole, others on I-95," 27 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sensor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for sensor
sensor
noun
English Language Learners Definition of sensor
: a device that detects or senses heat, light, sound, motion, etc., and then reacts to it in a particular way
See the full definition for sensor in the English Language Learners Dictionary
sensor
noun
ˈsen(t)-sər
\
Medical Definition of sensor
: 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
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on sensor
What made you want to look up sensor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Food Quiz
-
- Name these cookies!
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share sensor
Resources for sensor