thermistor

[ ther-mis-ter, thur-muh-ster ]

noun

, Electronics.

1. a resistor whose action depends upon changes of its resistance material with changes in temperature.

thermistor

/ θɜːˈmɪstə /

noun

1. a semiconductor device having a resistance that decreases rapidly with an increase in temperature. It is used for temperature measurement, to compensate for temperature variations in a circuit, etc

thermistor

/ thûr′mĭs′tər /

1. A resistor whose resistance varies as a function of temperature. Thermistors are used in electrical devices such as thermometers and thermostats that measure, monitor, or regulate temperature.
2. See more at resistor

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermistor¹

First recorded in 1935–40; therm- + (res)istor

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermistor¹

C20: from thermo- + ( res ) istor

Example Sentences

A temperature-dependent resistor, or thermistor, senses the temperature, which controls the smell’s intensity.

From Scientific American

The new cords will include a “thermistor,” which enables them to stop charging if it detects overheating in a plug or outlet, free of charge.

From The Verge

It was tough to demo the jacket because it turns on for pre-heating for 90 seconds and then only stays on if it determines that you’re cold, through a thermistor inside the jacket.

From The Verge

“By the time people stick a thermistor in the bucket to measure temperature, it's already slightly cool.”

From Los Angeles Times