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Synonyms

resistive

American  
[ri-zis-tiv] / rɪˈzɪs tɪv /

adjective

  1. capable of or inclined to resistance; resisting.

  2. Electricity. pertaining to or relying on electrical resistance.

    Pressure from your finger creates an electrical contact between the two layers of a resistive touchscreen.


resistive British  
/ rɪˈzɪstɪv /

adjective

  1. another word for resistant

  2. exhibiting electrical resistance

"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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of resistive

First recorded in 1595–1605; resist + -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Deputy Kirk used a level of force that deputies across this country are trained and authorized to use when taking a resistive suspect into custody,” Wilson said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

The materials are heated through resistive heating, which essentially heats them from the inside out, making the process faster and less energy-intensive.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

The team’s array of seafloor electrodes, sensitive to the conductivity of water, captured a subducting seamount that appeared to have a conductive interior covered by a thin resistive crust.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 21, 2023

"If we start building communities and structures out of materials more resistive to fire, we are upping our odds of success — we've got to do something different and do it better."

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2022

In the midst of this the lungs have their resistive vitality raised so as to throw off the disease.

From Health Through Will Power by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)

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