sensor

noun

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

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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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Waymo’s strategy involves a comprehensive suite of sensors, including lidar, radar, and optical cameras, which work together to ensure a multi-layered view of the driving environment. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024 This model also comes with high-quality sensors, while the Optical Gen 3 switches have a life expectancy of a massive 90 million clicks. Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 1 Nov. 2024 Those vendors making self-driving cars are apt to rip out steering wheels and pedals, add all manner of sensors into and on top of the vehicle, and generally do a significant makeover on the car. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Advanced sensors and multi-surface cleaning capabilities make this robot a game-changer. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensor 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensor was circa 1928

Dictionary Entries Near sensor

Cite this Entry

“Sensor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensor. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sensor

noun
sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r How to pronounce sensor (audio)
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
: 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

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