biosensor

noun

bio·​sen·​sor ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ˈsen-ˌsȯr 

-ˈsen(t)-sər

: a device that monitors and transmits information about a life process

especially : a device consisting of a biological component (such as an enzyme or bacterium) that reacts with a target substance and an electrochemical or optical component that detects the resulting products or by-products and emits a signal

Examples of biosensor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the biosensors Chicas’ team is experimenting with aren’t yet publicly available, a system sold by the brand SlateSafety (and sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is available to employers. —Patrick Martin, NBC News, 30 Aug. 2024

Abbott’s new Lingo system includes a biosensor that attaches to the back of the arm and can be worn for up to 14 days. —Bruce Gil, Quartz, 5 Sep. 2024

Lingo is part of an emerging class of consumer-friendly biosensors that people can use to learn how their bodies respond to food, exercise, sleep and stress. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2024

Today, athletes often have their individual sweat rates and sweat makeups tracked, either by measuring weight loss during exercise or through biosensors attached to the skin that account for fluid loss in real-time. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

biosensor

noun

bio·​sen·​sor ˈbī-ō-ˌsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r, -ˌsen(t)-sər 

: a device that monitors and transmits information about a life process

especially : a device consisting of a biological component (such as an enzyme or bacterium) that reacts with a target substance and an electrochemical or optical component that detects the resulting products or by-products and emits a signal

New biosensors that can sniff out traces of the explosives RDX and TNT may be used to help clean up old munitions sites.

—Science News