sensor

A device or organ that detects certain external stimuli and responds in a distinctive manner.

Noun

  1. A device or organ that detects certain external stimuli and responds in a distinctive manner.
    • The smoke sensor triggered the alarm.
    • Modern phones contain a light sensor that adjusts brightness.
    • A motion sensor detected movement in the empty room.

Origin

Originated 1925–30, formed as a Latin loanword from sentiō (“to feel”) + -tor (“-er”). By surface analysis, sense + -or.

Forms

sensors

Related

senser

Derived

aptasensor chemosensor crossed loop sensor fluorosensor geosensor glucosensor gravisensor gyrosensor image sensor immunosensor intersensor intrasensor magnetosensor mechanosensor microsensor minisensor multisensor nanosensor neurosensor osmosensor phagosensor photosensor sensel sensor array