noun Electricity.
- an adjustable resistor so constructed that its resistance may be changed without opening the circuit in which it is connected, thereby controlling the current in the circuit.
noun
- a variable resistance, usually consisting of a coil of wire with a terminal at one end and a sliding contact that moves along the coil to tap off the current
1843, coined by English physicist Sir Charles Wheatstone (1802-1875) from Greek rheos “a flowing, stream” (from PIE root *sreu-, see rheum) + -stat “regulating device.” Related: Rheostatic.
- See under resistor.