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

The app utilizes the phone accelerometers to generate a beat that syncs with its listeners’ footsteps. —Morgan Meaker, WIRED, 14 Oct. 2024

Bolt’s gadgetry packs a light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass and more, and its battery lasts for just over four hours of play. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024

The team puts accelerometers in its practice footballs to measure changes in velocity, rotation and distance. —Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 27 Aug. 2024

This feature utilizes the gyroscope and accelerometer to recognize sudden jerks or jolts followed by rapid acceleration. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 27 Oct. 2024

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

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