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potentiometer
[ puh-ten-shee-om-i-ter ]
noun
, Electricity.
- a device for measuring electromotive force or potential difference by comparison with a known voltage.
potentiometer
/ pəˌtɛnʃɪˈɒmɪtə /
noun
- an instrument for determining a potential difference or electromotive force by measuring the fraction of it that balances a standard electromotive force
- a device with three terminals, two of which are connected to a resistance wire and the third to a brush moving along the wire, so that a variable potential can be tapped off: used in electronic circuits, esp as a volume control
potentiometer
/ pə-tĕn′shē-ŏm′ĭ-tər /
- A mechanical variable resistor.
- See more at resistor
- An instrument for measuring an unknown voltage by comparison with a known voltage, such as that of a generator.
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Derived Forms
- poˌtentiˈometry, noun
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Other Words From
- po·ten·ti·o·met·ric [p, uh, -ten-shee-, uh, -, me, -trik], adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of potentiometer1
1880–85; potenti(al) + -o- + -meter
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Example Sentences
Meanwhile the gravity potentiometer (gravy board) was changing its reading constantly and erratically.
From Project Gutenberg
The potentiometer must never be shunted around the B battery or the latter will soon run down.
From Project Gutenberg
In using either of these heterodyne receivers be sure to carefully adjust the B battery by means of the potentiometer.
From Project Gutenberg
Don't connect a potentiometer across the B battery or it will speedily run down.
From Project Gutenberg
Don't expect to get the best results with a gas-content detector tube without using a potentiometer.
From Project Gutenberg
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