potentiometer n 1: a measuring instrument for measuring direct current electromotive forces 2: a resistor with three terminals, the third being an adjustable center terminal; used to adjust voltages in radios and TV sets [syn: {potentiometer}, {pot}]
Potentiometer \Po*ten`ti*om"e*ter\, n. [Potential + -meter.] (Elec.) An instrument for measuring or comparing electrial potentials or electro-motive forces. [1913 Webster]