Definition

A device that has three connections and can change its resistance, often used to control volume in electronic devices like radios and TVs.

Example

The technician adjusted the potentiometer to increase the volume of the speaker.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a potentiometer in action?

Yeah, I actually used one to fix my old radio.

That's cool! How does a potentiometer work exactly?

It's pretty simple; it adjusts the resistance to control the volume.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Potentiometer → It is formed from "potentia" (from Latin, meaning power or potential) and "-meter" (from Greek "metron", meaning measure). The word describes a device that measures electrical potential or power.

Memory Tip

Think of 'power' ('potentia') being 'measured' ('-meter') — that's what a potentiometer does.

Visually Confused Words