sensor

American  

[sen-sawr, -ser] / ˈsɛn sɔr, -sər /

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 British  

/ ˈsɛnsə /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of sensor

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

Example Sentences

With today’s more sophisticated vehicles, there are often cameras and sensors that have to be removed and possibly replaced.

From MarketWatch

Then I discovered that by simply leaving it alone, it would use a sensor to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.

From The Wall Street Journal

Members of law enforcement also can use sensor technology from fitness apps, along with maps and other applications on phones to get data that will help them locate a suspect, experts say.

From Los Angeles Times

As these projects evolved, the researchers realized they all depended on having brighter and more effective calcium sensors.

From Science Daily

The technology pulls the driver's exhaled breath into sensors located in the driver's side door or in the dashboard and steering column, as the driver breathes normally.

From The Wall Street Journal