'Rheostat' definitions:
Definition of 'rheostat'
(from WordNet)
noun
Resistor for regulating current [syn: rheostat, variable resistor]
Definition of 'Rheostat'
From: GCIDE
- Rheostat \Rhe"o*stat\ (r[=e]"[-o]*st[a^]t), n. [Gr. "rei^n + stato`s standing still.] (Elec.) A contrivance for adjusting or regulating the strength of electrical currents, operating usually by the intercalation of resistance which can be varied at will. --Wheatstone. --{Rhe`o*stat"ic}, a. [1913 Webster]