biosensor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “biosensor” mean?
A device that detects or measures a biological substance (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that detects or measures a biological substance (e.g., a chemical, organism, or biomolecule) and converts it into a readable electronic signal.
A broad category of analytical tools combining a biological recognition element (e.g., enzyme, antibody, cell, DNA) with a physical transducer (e.g., optical, electrochemical, piezoelectric). Used in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, and bioprocess control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows standard national conventions (e.g., 'analyse' vs. 'analyze' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In everyday contexts, both regions associate it with advanced technology and healthcare.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British academic publishing in fields like biotechnology and environmental science, based on corpus data. US usage dominates in patent literature and commercial tech discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “biosensor” in a Sentence
biosensor for [detecting/measuring] NPbiosensor based on NPbiosensor that VPbiosensor consisting of NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biosensor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system can be biosensor-ed for various toxins.
- They aim to biosensor the pathogen in real time.
American English
- Researchers worked to biosensor the target analyte.
- The new chip can biosensor multiple compounds simultaneously.
adverb
British English
- The sample was analysed biosensor-quickly.
- The device operates biosensor-efficiently.
American English
- The detection worked biosensor-rapidly.
- It functions biosensor-specifically for glucose.
adjective
British English
- The biosensor data stream requires careful analysis.
- We attended a biosensor technology conference.
American English
- The biosensor approach offers rapid results.
- There is a growing biosensor market in healthcare.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a commercial product in medtech or agritech, e.g., 'The startup's new biosensor platform attracted venture funding.'
Academic
Central term in analytical chemistry, biomedical engineering, and environmental science journals, e.g., 'The paper reviews recent advances in nucleic acid-based biosensors.'
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in news about health gadgets, e.g., 'My fitness tracker has a biosensor that measures sweat electrolytes.'
Technical
Precise descriptor for a component in a diagnostic or monitoring system, e.g., 'Calibrate the amperometric biosensor before taking readings.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biosensor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biosensor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biosensor”
- Confusing 'biosensor' with a simple chemical sensor. Using it for non-biological detectors. Incorrect plural: 'biosensors' (correct), not 'biosensor' as mass noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a classic example of a disposable lateral flow biosensor, using antibodies to detect the hormone hCG.
All biosensors are sensors, but a biosensor specifically incorporates a biological element (e.g., enzyme, cell) as its recognition component, whereas a standard sensor might use only chemical or physical principles.
Absolutely. They are widely used in environmental monitoring (e.g., detecting pesticides), food safety (e.g., pathogen detection), and bioprocess industries (e.g., fermenter monitoring).
Not necessarily. While the output is often an electrical signal, the transducer can also produce optical, thermal, or piezoelectric signals. The key is that the signal is quantifiable.
A device that detects or measures a biological substance (e.
Biosensor is usually technical/scientific in register.
Biosensor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪəʊˌsɛnsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪoʊˌsɛnsər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms. Potential technical metaphor: 'to act as a biosensor' (to indicate a biological state).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BIOlogical + SENSOR = a sensor that detects biological things.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BIOSENSOR IS A TRANSLATOR (converts biological language into electronic language). A BIOSENSOR IS A SENTINEL (watches for specific biological events).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a biosensor?