sensor means 'a device that detects or measures something and sends the information to other devices'.
sensor :
device to detect, detector
noun
▪ The sensor detects temperature changes.
▪ The detector notices temperature changes.
▪ The motion sensor turned on the lights.
▪ The motion detector turned on the lights.
paraphrasing
▪ detector – device to detect
▪ transducer – device that converts signals
▪ monitor – device that checks conditions
▪ indicator – device that shows status
Pronunciation
sensor [ˈsɛnsər]
The stress is on the first syllable 'sen' and sounds like 'sen-ser'.
Common phrases and grammar about sensor
sensor - Common meaning
noun
device to detect, detector
Part of Speech Changes for "sensor"
▪ sensory (adjective) – related to senses
▪ senseless (adjective) – without senses
▪ sensing (verb) – the act of using senses
▪ sensed (adjective) – detected or felt
Common Expressions with "sensor"
▪ temperature sensor – device that measures temperature
▪ motion sensor – device that detects movement
▪ pressure sensor – device that measures pressure
▪ light sensor – device that detects light
Important examples of sensor in TOEIC
Vocabulary examples from the TOEIC test
In TOEIC vocabulary questions, sensor refers to devices used to detect specific conditions or changes.
▪The car’s sensor alerts the driver when oil is low.
▪The car’s detector alerts the driver when oil is low.
Example of a confusing word: censor (to suppress or delete)
▪The car’s censor alerts the driver when oil is low.
▪The car’s device suppresses the driver when oil is low.
"Sensor" is a noun that refers to a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it. In the sentence, "The car’s sensor alerts the driver when oil is low," the usage is correct as it describes a device detecting oil levels. "Censor," on the other hand, means "to suppress or delete content deemed inappropriate," and is not used to describe a device that detects physical conditions. Therefore, "censor" is grammatically incorrect and semantically inappropriate in this context. "Sensor" is the correct choice.
Grammar examples from the TOEIC test
Sensor is typically used as a singular noun and can be part of technical descriptions.
▪The sensor monitors the engine temperature.
▪The detector monitors the engine temperature.
sensor
Idioms and fixed expressions in TOEIC
temperature sensor
'device that measures temperature', used in technical equipment.
▪The temperature sensor ensures the engine does not overheat.
▪The temperature detector ensures the engine does not overheat.
infrared sensor
means 'device that detects infrared light', used in remote controls.
▪The remote uses an infrared sensor to communicate with the TV.
▪The remote uses an infrared detector to communicate with the TV.
Differences between similar words and sensor
sensor
,
detector
differences
sensor is used to identify or measure something specific, while detector is often used for finding the presence of something.
sensor
▪The sensor detects motion in the room.
▪The detector finds motion in the room.
detector
▪The metal detector scans for hidden objects.
▪The metal sensor scans for hidden objects.
sensor
,
transducer
differences
sensor specifically measures and sends data, while transducer converts one form of energy to another.
sensor
▪The sensor measures the room temperature.
▪The transducer changes sound into electrical signals.
transducer
▪The transducer converts sound into electrical signals.
▪The transducer changes sound into electrical signals.
Words with the same origin as sensor
The origin of sensor
The word's etymology is not clear.
Word structure
The analysis of the word's composition is unclear.
Words with the same origin
The word's root is unclear or difficult to confirm.
