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Glite Dictionary
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PIR

PIR

8.1
A sensor that detects movement by sensing invisible body heat
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : sensor PIR
  • A PIR sensor is commonly used in security systems to detect intruders by measuring infrared radiation.

Examples

  • By using motion sensors and PIR detection to detect activity within the area, it can begin recording images automatically without warning the burglar.

    Blog text (7)

  • Also designed into the system is a PIR motion sensor.

    Blog text (18)

  • The new surveillance camera features a PIR to monitor movement in the designated area.

  • Installing a PIR sensor allows the lights to turn on automatically when someone enters the room.

How Sensitive

bolometer
  • Specialized
9.9
PIR
  • Specialized
8.1
thermometer
74 3.0

Surface Forms

PIR singular
PIRs plural

Morphology

PIR = passive + infrared (opaque) = P + I + R

PIR is an initialism for 'Passive Infrared'; the letters themselves do not transparently communicate this technical meaning.

Etymology

The word PIR stands for Passive Infrared, where 'passive' means 'not sending' and 'infrared' is a kind of light we cannot see but feel as heat. So a PIR sensor detects body heat and movement to trigger alarms or lights.