potentiometer

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​om·​e·​ter pə-ˌten(t)-shē-ˈä-mə-tər How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
1
: an instrument for measuring electromotive forces
2
: voltage divider
potentiometric
pə-ˌten(t)-sh(ē-)ə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
adjective

Examples of potentiometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The device features an analog joystick for navigation, as well as a potentiometer for tweaking settings and control of functions. — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2025 The assortment of controllers includes a pair of joysticks—the interface of choice for most games—as well as potentiometer controllers used in driving simulations and in the game Video Olympics. — Tekla S. Perry, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary potential + -o- + -meter

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of potentiometer was in 1868

Rhymes for potentiometer

See All Rhymes for potentiometer

Browse Nearby Words

potentilla
potentiometer
potentiometry
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Cite this Entry

“Potentiometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentiometer. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

potentiometer

noun
po·​ten·​ti·​om·​e·​ter pə-ˌten-chē-ˈäm-ət-ər How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring electromotive forces
potentiometric
-ch(ē-)ə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on potentiometer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potentiometer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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