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potentiometer

[ puh-ten-shee-om-i-ter ]

noun

, Electricity.
  1. a device for measuring electromotive force or potential difference by comparison with a known voltage.


potentiometer

/ pəˌtɛnʃɪˈɒmɪtə /

noun

  1. an instrument for determining a potential difference or electromotive force by measuring the fraction of it that balances a standard electromotive force
  2. 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


potentiometer

/ pə-tĕn′shē-ŏmĭ-tər /

  1. A mechanical variable resistor.
  2. See more at resistor
  3. 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.

The potentiometer must never be shunted around the B battery or the latter will soon run down.

In using either of these heterodyne receivers be sure to carefully adjust the B battery by means of the potentiometer.

Don't connect a potentiometer across the B battery or it will speedily run down.

Don't expect to get the best results with a gas-content detector tube without using a potentiometer.

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