noun

sensor

SEN-ser/ˈsensər/

A device that detects or measures physical conditions.

The sensor in the hot water sends its temperature reading to the meter.

A wired temperature probe immersed in steaming water connects visibly to a compact digital meter showing 72°C, making both detection and measurement concrete.

Etymology

Sensor may be a shortening of sensory or an agent noun from sense, naming something that senses. Both possibilities connect the device with detecting physical conditions.

In context

RealPars4:34

A transmitter is an electronic device mounted in the field or plant close to a sensor. The sensor transduces a measured physical variable like temperature

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More examples

Several sensors monitored the room.
The sensor detected movement.
They replaced the faulty sensor.

Forms

sensor · sensors

Similar words

detector: Emphasizes identifying presence rather than measuring a value.
meter: Usually displays a measurement rather than only sensing it.