# accelerometer

/ækˌsɛɫɝˈɑmətɝ/ (US) · /ɐksˌɛləɹˈɒmɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accelerometer
Updated: 2026-06-04

## Definition

a small electronic device that measures how fast something is speeding up or slowing down. You find these in phones, cars, and even fitness trackers to detect movement.

For teachers: an electronic sensor that measures proper acceleration, which is the acceleration experienced by the device itself. It is used to detect changes in velocity, orientation, and shock.

## Examples

- The phone uses an accelerometer to know when you turn it sideways.
- Modern cars are equipped with an accelerometer to trigger the airbags instantly during a sudden stop.
- By integrating data from a high-precision accelerometer with a gyroscope, the navigation system can maintain its orientation even when the satellite signal is lost.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.