sensor

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noun sen·sor \ ˈsen-ˌsȯr , 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

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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

Located at the corner of Venice and Centinela, the bright yellow installation houses a chrome cylinder with a light sensor inside.

— zoie matthew, Los Angeles Magazine, "Why You Should Stick Your Hand in This Mystery Box at the Bus Stop," 21 Aug. 2017
A sensor implanted just under the skin measures blood glucose levels.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Continuous glucose monitoring benefits type 2 diabetics," 21 Aug. 2017
Most phone photography software also automatically changes the exposure, limiting the amount of time the sensor is exposed to bright light.

— ben meyerson, chicagotribune.com, "Can taking eclipse photos damage your smartphone?," 18 Aug. 2017
OA-X will almost certainly have a dedicated sensor pod.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "One of These Planes Will Be the Air Force's New Light Attack Aircraft," 14 Aug. 2017
Others had sensors to activate pollution controls only at testing temperatures.

— kartikay mehrotra, Bloomberg.com, "Why Car Company Cheating Probes Are in High Gear: QuickTake Q&A," 2 Aug. 2017
The cutout at the top would likely contain a camera and sensors.

— sarah rense, Esquire, "Apple Just Accidentally Leaked What the iPhone 8 Will Look Like," 2 Aug. 2017
Correction: An earlier version of this interview stated that Uber is working on sensors that would enhance safety.

— jill filipovic, Cosmopolitan, "How Uber Is Planning to Treat Women Better," 2 Aug. 2017
That's good news for the people who use the data from ARCOS sensors.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "$720,000 grant will keep Mobile Bay sensor net alive," 23 July 2017

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

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

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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

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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