a variable resistance, usually consisting of a coil of wire with a terminal at one end and a sliding contact that moves along the coil to tap off the current
Derived forms
rheostatic (ˌrheoˈstatic)
adjective
rheostat in American English
(ˈriəˌstæt)
noun
a variable resistor for changing the resistance of an electrical circuit without interrupting the circuit, used as for regulating the brightness of electric lights
A rheostat is an electrical instrument used to vary resistance, that usually consists of a coil of wire with a terminal at one end anda sliding contact that moves along the coil to stop the current.
Sometimes a rheostat is made from resistance wire wound on a heat-resisting cylinder with the slider madefrom a number of metal fingers that grip lightly onto some of the turns of resistancewire.
Since the field rheostat is normally set to minimum resistance, the speed of the motor will not be excessive.
A rheostat is an electrical instrument used to vary resistance, that usually consists of a coilof wire with a terminal at one end and a sliding contact that moves along the coilto stop the current.
Examples of 'rheostat' in a sentence
rheostat
Callendar pushed up his rheostat and a chuckle came out.