remote sensor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “remote sensor” mean?
A device that detects or measures a physical property from a distance without being in direct contact with the object being observed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that detects or measures a physical property from a distance without being in direct contact with the object being observed.
In broader contexts, this can refer to any technology-enabled component that gathers data autonomously from a location separate from the central processing or control unit, often used in networks (IoT, environmental monitoring, security).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage patterns are identical across technical domains.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions. Slightly more frequent in British engineering contexts concerning environmental monitoring.
Frequency
Equally common in technical writing in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in American texts related to aerospace and defense.
Grammar
How to Use “remote sensor” in a Sentence
The remote sensor [verbs: detected, recorded, transmitted] [object: temperature, movement, images].A remote sensor [prepositional phrase: for monitoring, on the drone, in the field].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remote sensor” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The remote sensor on the moor transmitted soil moisture levels hourly.
- We need to calibrate the remote sensor before the Antarctic expedition.
American English
- The remote sensor on the pipeline detected a pressure drop immediately.
- They installed a remote sensor in the forest to monitor wildlife activity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in supply chain management for tracking conditions of goods in transit.
Academic
Common in environmental science, geography, and engineering papers discussing data collection methodologies.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might appear in news about weather stations or smart home tech.
Technical
Core term in IoT, robotics, aerospace, environmental monitoring, and security systems documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remote sensor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remote sensor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remote sensor”
- Using 'remote sensor' to refer to a TV remote (correct: 'remote control').
- Misspelling as 'remoute sensor'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We remote-sensor the area' is non-standard; prefer 'We use remote sensing').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A remote sensor collects data from a distance. A remote control sends commands to operate a device from a distance.
Yes, if its components (camera, microphone, GPS) are used to collect data from its environment for a separate system, it can function as a type of remote sensor.
'Remote sensor' is the physical device. 'Remote sensing' is the broader technology or practice of collecting information from a distance, often using such sensors.
Generally, yes, if 'remote' implies a significant physical separation. However, a wireless sensor on a machine it's monitoring might not be called 'remote' if distance isn't a key feature.
A device that detects or measures a physical property from a distance without being in direct contact with the object being observed.
Remote sensor is usually technical/formal in register.
Remote sensor: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈməʊt ˈsɛnsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈmoʊt ˈsɛnsər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The eyes and ears from afar (metaphorical for networks of remote sensors).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REMOTE control that SENSES things from far away.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DISTANT SENTINEL (something that watches over an area without being physically present).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'remote sensor' be LEAST appropriate?