telemetry
tuh-LEM-uh-tree
/təˈlem.ə.tri/
The automated process of collecting, transmitting, and measuring data from remote or inaccessible sources.
Implies real-time streaming of technical sensor data across a wireless distance.
The story behind the word. Constructed in the 19th century from Greek 'tele' (distant) and 'metron' (measure). Early telemetry systems used wires to read meteorological instruments atop mountains, but by the mid-20th century, radio telemetry became vital for rocket and aircraft flight testing.
Word relationships
- remote monitoring: Remote monitoring is a broad concept, while telemetry refers specifically to automated radio or digital transmission of sensor measurements.
Commonly confused with
- Telepathy: Telepathy is mind-reading fiction, whereas telemetry is legitimate engineering data transmission.
Word family
- telemetric (adjective): Relating to telemetry measurements.
Collocations
- real-time telemetry
- telemetry data
- telemetry stream
- satellite telemetry
Example sentences
- "Engineers monitored real-time telemetry sent from the prototype aircraft during high-speed dives." Flight Testing
- "Satellite telemetry indicated a minor voltage drop in the solar arrays long before visual inspection was possible." Space Exploration
Memory hook
TELE (far) + METRY (measure) = measuring things from far away. Distant measurements.
When not to use
Do not use for manual data logging or simple voice conversations.
Fun facts
- Modern commercial jets continuously beam engine telemetry back to airline maintenance headquarters while crossing oceans.
Related words
Explore more words
telematics, remote, Transmit, observation, transmission, telecommute
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