sensor

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

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

As Marcelina helped him, he began attaching sensors to the patient's body. — Life Blood, Thomas Hoover
It interacts with its environment; in this case with sensors and switches that react to the condi- tions at any particular moment. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
Its hydraulic steel joints and carbon-fiber muscles, together with its computerized foot sensors, give it walking skills better than most young humans'. — The Samurai Strategy, Thomas Hoover

detector, sensing element

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