noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   A device or organ that detects certain external stimuli and responds in a distinctive manner.

   "The smoke sensor triggered the alarm."

2. 2
   any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

detectordetectorfeelersensing element

Example

More examples

"The lambda sensor is on the fritz again."

Etymology

Originated 1925–30, formed as a Latin loanword from sentiō (“to feel”) + -tor (“-er”). By surface analysis, sense + -or.

Related phrases

crossed loop sensorimage sensorsensor array

Related Topic Clusters

Creative Writing Scene Language

Word choices for sensory detail, pacing control, and emotional texture.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.