sensor
gb/sˈɛnsɚ/ us/sˈɛnsɚ/
B1
English
~ 4900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
B1
entity
1
Device detecting physical changes
A machine part that finds changes like light, heat, or movement and sends information about them.
Usage pattern:
[sensor] detects [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'sensor' with 'censor' (to remove offensive content) because they sound similar but have very different meanings.
Synonyms
detector (A general term for any device that discovers or measures something; may be less specific than 'sensor'.)
|
transducer (A technical term for a device that converts one form of energy into another; can include sensors but is broader.)
Antonyms
actuator (An opposite in function; an actuator causes movement or action rather than detecting it.)
Collocations
motion sensor
|temperature sensor
|light sensor
|pressure sensor
|proximity sensor
Themes
technology
|science
|engineering
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The motion sensor turned on the lights when someone entered the room.
- Modern smartphones have a light sensor to adjust screen brightness automatically.
- The smoke sensor triggered the alarm during the fire drill.
- A temperature sensor controls the heating system in the house.
- The car's parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles.
Learner examples
- The door opens when the sensor sees you.
- My phone has a sensor for light.
- The fire sensor makes a loud sound.
- The car uses sensors to stop before hitting something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sensor
IPA
GB/sˈɛnsɚ/
US/sˈɛnsɚ/
Syllables & stress
sensor (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (sensor)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: sensor
- Plural: sensors
Word family
Forms
sensors
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
insensitive
adjective B2
insensitivity
noun
Advanced or less common
sensational
adjective
Expressions
motion sensor
1/mˈoʊʃən sˈɛnsɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Sensor detecting movement
A device that knows when something moves.
Examples
- The hallway lights are controlled by a motion sensor.
- A motion sensor activated the camera when someone walked past.
smoke sensor
1/smˈoʊk sˈɛnsɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Sensor detecting smoke
A device that finds smoke in the air and can warn people.
Examples
- The smoke sensor went off during cooking.
- Every room in the hotel has a smoke sensor for safety.
temperature sensor
1/tˈɛmpɚɪt͡ʃɚ sˈɛnsɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Sensor measuring temperature
A device that measures how hot or cold something is.
Examples
- The temperature sensor turns on the fan when it gets too warm.
- A temperature sensor in the fridge keeps food fresh.