biosensor

noun

bio·​sen·​sor ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ˈsen-ˌsȯr 

-ˈsen(t)-sər

: a device that monitors and transmits information about a life process

especially : a device consisting of a biological component (such as an enzyme or bacterium) that reacts with a target substance and an electrochemical or optical component that detects the resulting products or by-products and emits a signal

Examples of biosensor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbott and its peers are increasingly targeting CGMs to non-diabetics, hoping that health-conscious people would want to use biosensors to learn about their body’s response to factors like food, stress and exercise. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024

Such attributes have attracted engineers wishing to devise synthetic imitations to advance tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, surgical sutures, biodegradable packaging and biosensors. —Barrett Klein, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024

Other examples of using electricity to promote wound healing have involved systems of biosensors, batteries and electrical stimulators. —New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2024

Although the biosensors Chicas’ team is experimenting with aren’t yet publicly available, a system sold by the brand SlateSafety (and sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is available to employers. —Patrick Martin, NBC News, 30 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

biosensor

noun

bio·​sen·​sor ˈbī-ō-ˌsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r, -ˌsen(t)-sər 

: a device that monitors and transmits information about a life process

especially : a device consisting of a biological component (such as an enzyme or bacterium) that reacts with a target substance and an electrochemical or optical component that detects the resulting products or by-products and emits a signal

New biosensors that can sniff out traces of the explosives RDX and TNT may be used to help clean up old munitions sites.

—Science News