Meaning & Definition
noun
A device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.
The smoke sensor triggered the alarm when it detected smoke in the building.
A component of a system that converts a physical parameter into an electrical signal for processing.
The temperature sensor sends readings to the thermostat to regulate the heating.
A device that responds to a stimulus such as light, heat, motion, or pressure.
The motion sensor automatically turns on the lights when someone enters the room.
An instrument used to measure and convert physical quantities into signals that can be read and analyzed.
The pressure sensor in the tire monitors air pressure and alerts the driver if it drops too low.
A biological or artificial mechanism that interprets inputs and translates them into a usable format.
The retinal sensor in the camera mimics the way human eyes perceive light.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'sensus', meaning 'feeling' or 'sense'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
motion sensor:
A device that detects movement in a physical space.
temperature sensor:
A sensor that measures the temperature of an object or environment.
light sensor:
A device that measures light intensity.
Slang Meanings
A device that gets triggered easily.
That car alarm is such a sensor; it goes off at the slightest noise.
Someone overly sensitive to their surroundings.
He's a total sensor; he can't handle any criticism.