sensor

[sen-sawr, -ser]

noun

1. a mechanical device sensitive to light, temperature, radiation level, or the like, that transmits a signal to a measuring or control instrument.

2. a sense organ.

sensor

/ ˈsɛnsə /

noun

1. anything, such as a photoelectric cell, that receives a signal or stimulus and responds to it

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensor¹

First recorded in 1925–30; sense + -or ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensor¹

C19: from Latin sēnsus perceived, from sentīre to observe

Example Sentences

We emerge into a clearing where a 12ft high border fence appears, topped with barbed wire, equipped with sensors and cameras to detect illegal crossings.

From BBC

A fender bender that would be a simple fix on a traditional vehicle could require an expensive and lengthy repair on an EV to mend the battery and recalibrate the car and its sensors.

From Los Angeles Times

The answer to this, she believes, is bolstering the West's space-based sensors, which would overcome the limitations of radars on the ground.

From BBC

That’s what drone sensor operators, imagery analysts and technicians did on a day in and day out basis.

From Salon

As California turns to satellite imagery, remote cameras watched by AI and heat detection sensors placed throughout wildlands to detect fires earlier, one Orange County group is keeping it old-school.

From Los Angeles Times