resistor

/rɪˈzɪsɾər/

/rɪˈzɪstə/

Other forms: resistors

Definitions of resistor

1. noun

   an electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current
   synonyms: resistance

   types:

   ballast, ballast resistor, barretter

   a resistor inserted into a circuit to compensate for changes (as those arising from temperature fluctuations)

   potential divider, voltage divider

   resistors connected in series across a voltage source; used to obtain a desired fraction of the voltage

   rheostat, variable resistor

   resistor for regulating current

   dimmer

   a rheostat that varies the current through an electric light in order to control the level of illumination

   pot, potentiometer

   a resistor with three terminals, the third being an adjustable center terminal; used to adjust voltages in radios and TV sets

   type of:

   electrical device

   a device that produces or is powered by electricity