sensor
6 synonyms for sensor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A device that detects a physical change or signal and responds or reports on it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use sensor
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
motion sensor
light sensor
sensor detects
Etymology
Formed in the 1920s from Latin sentiō, "to feel," on the pattern of words like "motor."
Full origin of sensor →Frequently asked questions
What does “sensor” mean?
The word “sensor” means a device that detects a physical change or signal and responds or reports on it. In plain terms, a device that detects something — light, motion, heat, pressure — and reports it.
How do you pronounce “sensor”?
“Sensor” is pronounced SEHN-suh (/ˈsɛn.sɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sensor” in a sentence?
Here is “sensor” used in a sentence: “The motion sensor turns the lights on automatically.”
What part of speech is “sensor”?
“Sensor” is a noun.
Where does the word “sensor” come from?
The word “sensor” dates back to around 1920 and comes from Latin. Formed in the 1920s from Latin sentiō, "to feel," on the pattern of words like "motor.".
Is “sensor” a common word?
“Sensor” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a sensor and a detector?
A sensor detects a physical change or signal and responds by measuring and reporting it, often as a continuous output. A detector typically just indicates whether something is present or absent. The two terms overlap in everyday use, and many devices can be called either.
What is the difference between a sensor and a transducer?
A sensor detects a physical change or signal and responds to it, while a transducer converts one form of energy into another. Many sensors contain a transducer as the part that turns the physical quantity into an electrical signal, so the two terms are closely related.
Is it spelled 'sensor' or 'senser'?
The correct spelling is 'sensor,' ending in -or. 'Senser' is a common misspelling; despite coming from the idea of sensing, the word always takes the -or ending.
What words commonly go with sensor?
Sensor usually pairs with the type of input it detects, as in motion sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor, and proximity sensor. It also forms compounds such as sensor array and image sensor.
