thermistor

noun

therm·​is·​tor ˈthər-ˌmi-stər How to pronounce thermistor (audio)
: an electrical resistor making use of a semiconductor whose resistance varies sharply in a known manner with the temperature

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Most laptops sense heat on a single point where a thermistor is placed. Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, 2 June 2020 Perhaps most important is temperature control: A comfortable room temperature is selected, and a thermistor (9) in the unit allows the device to automatically switch on and off to maintain it. Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, 5 June 2017 In addition, the subjects were fitted for a heart rate monitor, sweat capsules, and skin thermistors (temperature). NOLA.com, 16 June 2017 Most vehicles have their thermistors on the front of the car, located behind the grill. Greg Porter, Washington Post, 12 June 2017 Readers will learn about ICs, non-NXT sensors such as thermistors, accelerometers, and force-sensitive resistors, and other devices such as the XBee wireless modules. James Floyd Kelly, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2013 Perhaps most important is temperature control: A comfortable room temperature is selected, and a thermistor (9) in the unit allows the device to automatically switch on and off to maintain it. Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, 5 June 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thermistor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

thermal resistor

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermistor was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near thermistor

Cite this Entry

“Thermistor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermistor. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

thermistor

noun
therm·​is·​tor ˈthər-ˌmis-tər How to pronounce thermistor (audio)
: an electrical resistor making use of a semiconductor whose resistance varies sharply in a known manner with the temperature

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