sensor
A device that detects or measures a physical property (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or motion) and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.
Acts as the sensory organ of a machine. It bridges the physical world and the digital world by converting physical phenomena into electrical signals.
Word relationships
- detector: A detector simply reveals the presence of something (e.g., a smoke detector), whereas a sensor often measures the exact quantity or intensity of a physical property.
- transducer: A transducer is the technical term for any device converting energy from one form to another; a sensor is a transducer that specifically converts physical energy into an electrical signal.
- actuator: An actuator converts electrical signals into physical movement, whereas a sensor converts physical phenomena into electrical signals.
Commonly confused with
- indicator: An indicator merely displays a state visually (like a litmus paper strip), while a sensor active measures and transmits data to a control system.
Word family
- sensory (adjective): Relating to sensation or the physical senses.
- sensory-motor (adjective): Relating to both sensory and motor activity.
Collocations
- motion sensor
- temperature sensor
- optical sensor
- sensor array
Example sentences
- "The thermostat uses a motion sensor to detect when a room is occupied and adjusts the temperature accordingly." A description of smart home technology.
- "Modern cars are equipped with proximity sensors in the bumpers to assist drivers with parking." An automotive safety review.
Memory hook
A sensor helps a robot 'sense' its surroundings, just like your eyes and ears help you. Sensor = Senses the world.
When not to use
Avoid using for purely mechanical indicators that do not transmit data or trigger a response, such as a simple glass thermometer (which is an indicator, not a modern sensor).
Fun facts
- The whiskers on robotic cats and dogs are actually sophisticated touch sensors designed to mimic the navigation aids of real animals.
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