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

The component in question is known as a memristor, a name that comes from a combination of memory and resistor.

From Singularity Hub 

This allows them to seamlessly switch between acting as resistors, memory capacitors, artificial neurons, and artificial synapses.

From Singularity Hub 

In 1971, the electrical engineer Leon Chua theorized a fourth component he called the memristor, for “memory resistor.”

From MIT Technology Review

They also differ from ordinary resistors in that their resistance can change depending on the amount of voltage applied.

From MIT Technology Review

Only a quarter of Resistors strongly support the current lockdown measures, compared with three-quarters of the other two groups.

From No Straight News

As an assertor, as a resistor of Arminian denials, we may embrace him and go all lengths with him.

From Project Gutenberg

If there was something wrong it was subtle, like a burned out resistor or a shorted condenser.

From Project Gutenberg