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

Some digital cameras spread the colored filters out across three individual sensors, the data from which can similarly combine into a full-color image. —Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 18 Apr. 2024

At its core, the technology involves capturing an actor’s movements and expressions via high-tech sensors, at which point visual effects artists fill in the rest, turning the performers into mythical creatures and animals without requiring the use of makeup and prosthetics. —Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024

The federal government awarded Fort Worth $2 million to test weather sensors on autonomous freight truck routes. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2024

Smart carts, which are already available in some Amazon Fresh locations, use sensors to identify items placed inside and have screens that allow customers to see nearby deals as well as how much their groceries will cost. —Haleluya Hadero, Quartz, 17 Apr. 2024

These include lighting, plugs and switches, thermostats, locks, security and environment sensors, refrigerators, dishwashers, smoke alarms, air quality monitors, and more. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2024

Unlike vehicles that are designed to be completely autonomous, like cars from Waymo or Cruise, Teslas do not currently use sensors such as radar or lidar to detect obstacles. —Trisha Thadani, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024

But the equipment has become more inexpensive over the years: Each of the Berkeley sensors costs less than $10,000. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024

In 2021, the base was girdled by thick steel cables and wooden planks (picture oversized dental braces), and the dozens of sensors and other monitoring instruments that now pick up even minute shifts. —Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024

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