sensor

/ˈsɛnsər/

/ˈsɛnsə/

Other forms: sensors

An electronic device that measures changes in a physical quality (like light or temperature) is a sensor. Your kitchen smoke alarm has a sensor that detects the smoky evidence of your badly burned toast.

Sensors, these tiny gadgets that detect a physical property, note any changes in it, and convey a message about it electronically, are found just about everywhere. They detect the presence of carbon monoxide in your house, tell you what the temperature is, and help drivers back up safely, alerting them of any obstacles. Smartphones themselves contain many sensors — detecting vibration, tilt, magnetic fields, and more. Sensor comes from a Latin root meaning "perceive or feel."

Definitions of sensor

1. noun

   any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner
   synonyms: detector, sensing element

   types:

   metal detector

   detector that gives a signal when it detects the presence of metal; used to detect the presence of stray bits of metal in food products or to find buried metal

   mine detector

   detector consisting of an electromagnetic device; used to locate explosive mines

   electric eye, magic eye, photocell, photoconductive cell, photoelectric cell

   a transducer used to detect and measure light and other radiations

   trace detector

   a screening device for traces of explosives; used at airline terminals

   selenium cell

   a photoelectric cell that uses a strip of selenium

   type of:

   device

   an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose