accelerometer

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌse-lə-ˈrä-mə-tər 

ak-

: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

Examples of accelerometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This new feature would be an improvement which uses the iPhone’s accelerometer and gyroscope to calculate that the sudden movement indicates a snatch-and-grab. —David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

The Fitbit Air uses an optical heart rate monitor, a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, a temperature sensor, and red and infrared sensors for health tracking. —Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 27 May 2026

The Luce uses a precision accelerometer at the center of the rear axle to capture the natural frequencies of the rotating components, the company said. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 26 May 2026

Motion: Navigation when satellite signals are untrusted When satellite navigation signals are blocked or untrusted, navigation falls back on accelerometers and gyroscopes like those in your smartphone. —Alex Krasnok, The Conversation, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French accéléromètre, from accélérer "to accelerate" (borrowed from Latin accelerāre) + -o- -o- + -mètre -meter

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for accelerometer

• interferometer
• potentiometer
• spectrophotometer
• anemometer
• audiometer
• densitometer
• diffractometer
• dilatometer
• dynamometer
• electrometer
• extensometer
• goniometer

Kids Definition

accelerometer

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈräm-ət-ər 

ak-

: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations

Medical Definition

accelerometer

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​om·​e·​ter ik-ˌsel-ə-ˈräm-ət-ər, ak- 

: an instrument for measuring acceleration or for detecting and measuring vibrations