telemetry

noun

te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈle-mə-trē How to pronounce telemetry (audio)
1
: the science or process of telemetering data
2
: data transmitted by telemetry
3
telemetric adjective
telemetrically adverb

Did you know?

Telemetry is used to obtain data on the internal functioning of missiles, rockets, unmanned planes, satellites, and probes, providing data on such factors as position, altitude, and speed as well as conditions like temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and radiation. Weather forecasters rely on telemetry to map weather patterns. Astronauts on the space shuttle are monitored with telemetry that measures and transmits readings on their blood pressure, respiration, and heart rates. Similar kinds of telemetry are used by biologists to study animals in the wild and keep track of their populations and movements. Telemetry is also widely used in modern agriculture, often to regulate irrigation.

Examples of telemetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But for the last four years the engineers have been working mostly at HRC, monitoring in-car telemetry that provides real-time information about everything from engine status and tire pressure to suspension behavior. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 Preliminary telemetry suggests the test was successful, with detailed analysis of the data still to come, the statement read. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 May 2025 Video relayed by SpaceX’s Starlink broadband-satellite constellation began cutting out, a fifth engine shut down, and the last Raptor stopped about 9.5 minutes into flight, followed seconds later by telemetry freezing with the upper stage at 89 miles up and moving at 12,677mph. Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025 By leveraging the triangulation of telemetry data from multiple sources, operators are given the right on-the-floor actions to optimize food usage outcomes: • Repurposing unsold but safe food, such as turning day-old bread into breadcrumbs or rotisserie chicken into chicken salad. Guy Yehiav, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for telemetry

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of telemetry was in 1865

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Cite this Entry

“Telemetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telemetry. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

telemetry

noun
te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈlem-ə-trē How to pronounce telemetry (audio)
1
: the process of transmitting data by telemeter
2
: data transmitted by telemetry

Medical Definition

telemetry

noun
te·​lem·​e·​try tə-ˈlem-ə-trē How to pronounce telemetry (audio)
plural telemetries
1
: the science or process of telemetering data
2
: data transmitted by telemetry
3
telemetric adjective
telemetrically adverb

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