thermistor

American  

[ther-mis-ter, thur-muh-ster] / θərˈmɪs tər, ˈθɜr mə stər /

noun

Electronics.

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

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thermistor British  

/ 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

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thermistor Scientific  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of thermistor

First recorded in 1935–40; therm- + (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