Sensor
/ˈsɛn.sər/noun
A device or organ that detects and responds to a physical stimulus.
Did you know?Sensor is a modern English formation from Latin *sensus* (“feeling, perception”), and it ultimately shares a root with words like **sense**, **sentient**, and **consent**—all tied to the ancient idea of perceiving and knowing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sent-
“to feel, perceive”
Latin
Latin
sentīre
“to feel, perceive, notice”
Latin
Latin
sēnsor
“one who perceives; feeler”
19th Century
English
sensor
“an instrument that detects a stimulus or condition”
Modern English
English
sensor
“a device that detects and responds to physical input”