sensor English · revision 15066

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=clipping|attested=c. 1928}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈsen.sə/, US /ˈsen.sɚ/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a shortening of [[sensory]], probably on the pattern of [[motor]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(NODE 1998) or an agent noun of Latin form from [[sense]].^(Etymonline) Merriam-Webster and Collins derive it from [[la|sēnsus|t=perceived]], the past participle of [[m|la|sentiō|t=to feel, perceive]], with [[-or]].^(MWU 2024)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A device giving a signal for detecting or measuring something: about 1928 in Merriam-Webster, 1947 in Etymonline, 1958 in Barnhart and the OED.^(MWU 2024)^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ An earlier adjective sensor meant sensory (1865).^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1865 – sensor, sensory (adjective).^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1928 – a sensor.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1958 – a detecting device.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A device, such as a [[photoelectric cell]], that detects and responds to a signal or stimulus.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A [[sense organ]].^(AHD)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[microsensor]]

+ * [[photosensor]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[sensory]]

+ * [[sense]]

+ * [[sensation]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}