Dictionary entry

Rheostat

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Rhe″o‐stat (?), n. [Gr. ρεἱ̑ν + στατόσ 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.