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.
2. voltage divider.

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

potentiometer

/ pə-tĕn′shē-ŏm′ĭ-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.

Derived Forms

• poˌtentiˈometry, noun

Other Words From

• po·ten·ti·o·met·ric [p, uh, -ten-shee-, uh, -, me, -trik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of potentiometer¹

1880–85; potenti(al) + -o- + -meter

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