sensor
“sensor” means “sensor” in Spanish (electronic or mechanical device).
sensor
Also: detector
📝 In Action
El sensor de movimiento encendió las luces del pasillo.
A2The motion sensor turned on the hallway lights.
Mi coche tiene un sensor que ayuda a aparcar sin chocar.
B1My car has a sensor that helps with parking without crashing.
El sensor de huellas dactilares del teléfono no funciona bien.
B2The fingerprint sensor on the phone isn't working well.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sensor
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'motion sensors' (plural) in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'sensus', which means 'feeling' or 'sense'. It shares the same family tree as words like 'sentir' (to feel).
First recorded: 20th century (in a modern technological context)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sensor' masculine or feminine?
It is masculine: 'el sensor'. Even though it doesn't end in 'o', most Spanish words ending in '-or' follow this pattern.
Does 'sensible' mean the same thing as a sensor?
No. 'Sensible' is an adjective meaning 'sensitive' (easily affected or feeling). 'Sensor' is the actual machine or device.
Can I use 'sensor' for human senses?
No, for humans we use the word 'sentido' (like the sense of sight or smell). 'Sensor' is strictly for technology and mechanical devices.