sensor
Meaning: A device that detects or measures a physical property — such as temperature, pressure, light, or motion — and converts it into a signal that can be read or processed.
Sensors are ubiquitous in modern life, found in smartphones (accelerometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors), vehicles (parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors), buildings (smoke detectors, motion sensors), and industrial equipment. The Internet of Things (IoT) relies on networks of sensors to collect data. Common types include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, infrared sensors, and optical sensors. The word has become familiar to the general public through everyday technology.
Examples
- The car's parking sensors emit a warning beep when the rear bumper approaches an obstacle. 汽车的泊车传感器在后保险杠接近障碍物时会发出警告蜂鸣声。Los sensores de aparcamiento del coche emiten un pitido de aviso cuando el parachoques trasero se aproxima a un obstáculo.車の駐車センサーは、リアバンパーが障害物に近づくと警告音を鳴らします。자동차의 주차 센서는 후방 범퍼가 장애물에 접근하면 경고음을 울립니다.
- Temperature sensors throughout the building automatically adjust the heating to maintain a comfortable environment. 整栋建筑内的温度传感器自动调节供暖系统,以维持舒适的室内环境。Los sensores de temperatura repartidos por todo el edificio ajustan automáticamente la calefacción para mantener un ambiente confortable.建物全体に設置された温度センサーが暖房を自動調整し、快適な環境を維持しています。건물 전체에 설치된 온도 센서가 난방을 자동 조절하여 쾌적한 환경을 유지합니다.
- The security system uses motion sensors to detect any movement in the building after hours. 安防系统使用运动传感器检测下班后建筑物内的任何活动。El sistema de seguridad utiliza sensores de movimiento para detectar cualquier desplazamiento en el edificio fuera del horario laboral.セキュリティシステムは人感センサーを使用して、営業時間外の建物内のあらゆる動きを検知します。보안 시스템은 동작 감지 센서를 사용하여 영업 시간 이후 건물 내의 모든 움직임을 감지합니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, scientific, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin sensus (feeling, perception), past participle of sentire (to feel, perceive). The modern technical noun 'sensor' emerged in the 1940s, influenced by the need for detection devices during wartime.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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