sensor

noun sen·sor \ ˈsen-ˌsȯr , ˈsen(t)-sər \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

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

See sensor defined for English-language learners

See sensor defined for kids

Examples of sensor in a Sentence

Image sensors are used in digital cameras.
Infrared sensors can track an object's movement.

Recent Examples of sensor from the Web

The new mobility center at Norton Healthcare uses virtual reality tech with cameras and motion sensors to aid in rehab and diagnostics for patients.

— emma austin, The Courier-Journal, "Kids make strides using new technology at Norton Healthcare," 7 June 2018
Lidar map data, high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of camera and radar sensors all make Super Cruise function, GM said.

— jamie lareau and nathan bomey, USA TODAY, "GM putting Super Cruise hands-free driving on all Cadillacs by 2020," 6 June 2018
Lidar map data, high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of camera and radar sensors all make Super Cruise function, GM said.

— jamie lareau, Detroit Free Press, "GM to put Super Cruise hands-free driving in all Cadillacs," 6 June 2018
Both the Chrysler Pacifica minivans and the Jaguar cars will be equipped with the radars, cameras, and sensors that Waymo has developed to enable the vehicles to drive themselves on public roads.

— neal e. boudette, BostonGlobe.com, "Waymo to buy up to 62,000 Chrysler minivans," 31 May 2018
The satellite is equipped with high-tech cameras and sensors to measure weather more accurately and precisely than ever before.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "NOAA's New Weather Satellite Has a Cooling Problem," 25 May 2018
One reason Uber would have disabled automatic emergency braking in its self-driving cars is to avoid what can be a herky-jerky ride when the cars’ cameras or sensors keep seeing potential problems ahead and braking, experts said.

— michael laris, Washington Post, "Self-driving Uber did not have emergency braking turned on when it hit pedestrian, NTSB says," 24 May 2018
Outfitted with hundreds of cameras and sensors — but no cashiers — the store allows customers to grab sandwiches, drinks and other food off of shelves, and simply walk out without stopping to pay.

— jason del rey, Recode, "Amazon Go — a cashierless version of 7-Eleven — is expanding to San Francisco and Chicago," 14 May 2018
But researchers have finally broken the dexterity barrier by combining commercially available hardware, including 3D cameras and force sensors, to build two chair-building bots.

— matt warren, Science | AAAS, "Can this robot build an IKEA chair faster than you?," 18 Apr. 2018

These 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.

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.

Origin and Etymology of sensor

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1928

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

sensor Synonyms

Synonyms

detector;

Related Words

eye;

electric eye, photoelectric cell;

alarm (also alarum), trigger;

SENSOR Defined for English Language Learners

sensor

noun

Definition of sensor for English Language Learners

: a device that detects or senses heat, light, sound, motion, etc., and then reacts to it in a particular way

Medical Dictionary

sensor

noun sen·sor \ ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r , 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