rheostat

[ ree-uh-stat ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. 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.

rheostat

/ ˈriːəˌstæt /

noun

1. 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

rheostat

/ rē′ə-stăt′ /

1. See under resistor

Derived Forms

• ˌrheoˈstatic, adjective

Other Words From

• rheo·static adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rheostat¹

First recorded in 1843; rheo- + -stat

Example Sentences

In a screen to identify key regulators of this process, retinoic acid, the biologically active form of Vitamin A, surfaced as a surprising rheostat.

From Science Daily

At its core lies the assumption that Israel can control the rheostat in Gaza, hitting Hamas just hard enough to deter it from attacking Israel but not so hard that Gaza implodes into chaos or explodes into a regional war.

From Los Angeles Times

Using genetic tools that detect which neurons are likely activated when live flies are exposed to dead flies, we identified a handful of neurons in the Drosophila brain called R2/R4 neurons that act as a rheostat for aging.

From Salon

Which means turning down the hysteria rheostat.

From Washington Post

“These need not be permanent to be useful and are best viewed as a rheostat where they can turned up or down, and be brought in when needed,” said Terence Roehrig, a professor of national security at the U.S.

From Reuters