"device giving a signal about some physical activity," 1947, from a shortened form of sensory (q.v.) or an agent noun in Latin form from sense (v.).
Entries linking to sensor
sensory adj.
"of or pertaining to sense or sensation, conveying sensation," 1749, from Latin sensorius, from sensus, past participle of sentire "to perceive, feel" (see sense (n.)).
sense v.
1590s, "perceive (an object) by the senses," from sense (n.). The meaning "be conscious inwardly of" (one's state or condition) is from 1680s. The sense of "perceive or understand (a fact or situation) not by direct perception" is from 1872. Related: Sensed; sensing.