sensor

[ sen-sawr, -ser ]

/ ˈsɛn sɔr, -sər /

noun

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

a sense organ.

Nearby words

sensitized cell, sensitizing dye, sensitometer, sensitometric curve, sensitometry, sensor, sensor network, sensori-, sensorial, sensorimotor, sensorimotor area

Origin of sensor

First recorded in 1925–30; sense + -or²

Can be confused

censer censor censure sensor

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for sensor

That means Japanese whiskies are beautifully balanced and elegant; they touch and develop on every sensor on the palate.
Watch Out, Scotland! Japanese Whisky Is on the Rise|Kayleigh Kulp|November 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
U.S. combat aircraft have their own sensor packages that verify targets and check for potential harm to nearby civilians.
Exclusive: ISIS’s Enemies Ask Pentagon for Drones|Eli Lake|August 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If commandos get a new weapon or sensor, it probably will be used on a real mission or battlefield.
Special Ops’ Weapons Wish List|Michael Peck|April 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If a given tackle exceeds a certain level of force, the sensor is activated and the player is notified to seek medical attention.
Brain Bleed: Why Michael Schumacher’s Helmet Wasn’t Enough|Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD, Tej Azad|January 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

When said light enters your bloodstream only a portion is reflected and returned to the sensor thus giving you your readout.
Mio Alpha Review: A Strapless Continuous Heart Rate Monitor for Your Wrist|Tyler Carroll|January 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sensor technologies are grouped into four areas: active, passive, imbedded, and processing.
Shock and Awe|Harlan K. Ullman
Then the CAD people added an algorithm that would take the sensor data and generate random variations on the same basis.
Makers|Cory Doctorow
The 2d we lodged at a sensor called Assambine, eleven miles, where were only a few poor cottages.
A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. VIII.|Robert Kerr
When you shot down that sensor, the starship did not retaliate, but went on without taking any notice of you.
The Galaxy Primes|Edward Elmer Smith
Id have rote you sooner only the sensor wont let me tell where I am an I couldnt think of nothin else to say.
"Same old Bill, eh Mable!"|Edward Streeter

British Dictionary definitions for sensor

sensor

/ (ˈsɛnsə) /

noun

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

Word Origin for sensor

C19: from Latin sēnsus perceived, from sentīre to observe

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for sensor

sensor

[ sĕn′sər, -sôr′ ]

n.

A device, such as a photoelectric cell, that receives and responds to a signal or stimulus.

sense organ