Word Study
Rheostat
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun Rheostat has 1 sense
- rheostat(n = noun.artifact) variable resistor - resistor for regulating current; Array has particulars: dimmer
is a kind of resistance, resistor
has parts: contact arm, wiper, wiper arm
CIDE DICTIONARY
Rheostat, n. [Gr. "rei^n + stato`s standing still.].
A contrivance for adjusting or regulating the strength of electrical currents, operating usually by the intercalation of resistance which can be varied at will. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Rheostat, n. Electr. an instrument used to control a current by varying the resistance.
Derivative
rheostatic adj.
Etymology
Gk rheos stream + -STAT
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