rheostat

[/ˈriːəstæt/]
nounmasculinepl: rheostats
reostato
1. An electrical device used to control or regulate the flow of electric current by varying resistance
The technician adjusted the rheostat to dim the lights in the theater.
O técnico ajustou o reostato para escurecer as luzes do teatro.
2. A variable resistor that allows for gradual adjustment of electrical current or voltage
The rheostat in this control panel regulates the motor speed.
O reostato neste painel de controle regula a velocidade do motor.
The rheostat is primarily used in technical and industrial contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, the term 'reostato' is standard in engineering, manufacturing, and electrical maintenance fields. While not commonly used in everyday conversation, it remains an essential component in lighting control systems, laboratory equipment, and industrial machinery. The term has remained largely unchanged since its introduction to Portuguese technical vocabulary in the early 20th century.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
variable resistorpotentiometerdimmervoltage regulator
Antonyms / Antônimos
fixed resistoron-off switch

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
reostato
Standard term used in electrical engineering and technical contexts
Portugal
reóstato
Portuguese spelling variant, less commonly used in everyday language
Brazil - Technical
divisor de tensão
Alternative descriptive term meaning 'voltage divider' in specific contexts

Related Words

resistorpotentiometerelectrical circuitcurrent controlvoltageimpedance
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