capteur

sensor, detector

noun kap-TUR Rare

Origin: Latin captor (one who captures)

Usage Note

Capteur is the standard technical term for a sensor in French — capteur de température, capteur solaire (solar panel/collector), capteur d'images (image sensor). It derives from capter (to capture, to pick up a signal). A capteur solaire specifically refers to a flat-plate solar thermal collector, distinct from a photovoltaic panel (panneau photovoltaïque).

Examples

"Le capteur détecte les mouvements."

Natural Translation

The sensor detects movements.

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