constantan

noun

con·​stan·​tan ˈkän(t)-stən-ˌtan How to pronounce constantan (audio)
: an alloy of copper and nickel used especially for electrical resistors and in thermocouples

Word History

Etymology

from the fact that its resistance remains constant under change of temperature

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of constantan was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near constantan

Cite this Entry

“Constantan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constantan. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on constantan

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!