Rheostat \Rhe"o*stat\ (r[=e]"[-o]*st[a^]t), n. [Gr. "rei^n +
stato`s 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.
[1913 Webster]