resistor

[ ri-zis-ter ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. a device designed to introduce resistance into an electric circuit.

resistor

/ rɪˈzɪstə /

noun

1. an electrical component designed to introduce a known value of resistance into a circuit

resistor

/ rĭ-zĭs′tər /

1. A device used in electrical circuits to maintain a constant relation between current flow and voltage. Resistors are used to step up or lower the voltage at different points in a circuit and to transform a current signal into a voltage signal or vice versa, among other uses. The electrical behavior of a resistor obeys Ohm's law for a constant resistance; however, some resistors are sensitive to heat, light, or other variables.
2. ◆ Variable resistors , or rheostats , have a resistance that may be varied across a certain range, usually by means of a mechanical device that alters the position of one terminal of the resistor along a strip of resistant material. The length of the intervening material determines the resistance. Mechanical variable resistors are also called potentiometers, and are used in the volume knobs of audio equipment and in many other devices.
3. Compare capacitorSee more at Ohm's law

Word History and Origins

Origin of resistor¹

First recorded in 1900–05; resist + -or ²

Example Sentences

In a heat battery, thermophotovoltaics would surround a block of heated material at a temperature of at least 1000°C. It might reach that temperature by passing electricity from a wind or solar farm through a resistor or by absorbing excess heat from solar thermal energy or steel, glass or concrete production.

From Science Daily

These subpopulations of resistor cells can survive treatment and are able to grow and multiply, resulting in chronic infections.

From Science Daily

“Mr. Resistor” follows a creature whose body is made up of discarded pieces of antique technology as he spontaneously comes to life.

From Los Angeles Times

A wordless short, “Mr. Resistor” reflects the mordant humor that characterized Gustafson himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Currently, the memory resistor, or "memristor," is the most well-developed technology that can perform combined processing and memory function.

From Science Daily