telemetry
tuh-LEM-uh-tree
/təˈlɛmɪtri/
The automatic measurement and wireless transmission of data from remote sources (such as space vehicles) to receiving stations for monitoring.
Refers specifically to the system of gathering and transmitting data, not just the data itself.
The story behind the word. Coined in the early 20th century from the Greek roots 'tele' (far off, as in telephone or telescope) and 'metron' (to measure). It literally translates to 'measuring from a distance.'
Word relationships
- remote monitoring: Remote monitoring is a general term, whereas telemetry specifically implies automated, high-speed wireless data transmission.
Commonly confused with
- telecommunication: Telecommunication is the general transmission of signs, signals, and messages, while telemetry is specifically the transmission of measured physical data.
Word family
- telemetric (adjective): Relating to telemetry or the wireless transmission of data.
- telemetrically (adverb): By means of telemetry.
Collocations
- real-time telemetry
- telemetry data
- telemetry system
Example sentences
- "Engineers in Mission Control analyzed the real-time telemetry from the Martian lander to confirm its successful touchdown." Space mission control
- "The pit crew used telemetry to monitor the car's tire pressure and engine temperature during the race." Formula 1 racing
Memory hook
Measuring (metry) from a distance (tele). Distant measuring.
When not to use
Do not use for simple manual data entry or wired data transfers in a local lab.
Fun facts
- The first telemetry systems in the 1930s used physical wires to send weather balloon data; today, deep-space telemetry travels billions of miles via radio waves.
Explore more words
telematics, remote, Transmit, observation, transmission, telecommute
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