thermistor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “thermistor” mean?
A type of electrical resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of electrical resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature.
A two-terminal semiconductor device used specifically for temperature sensing, measurement, and control applications due to its predictable resistance-temperature relationship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow standard British/American patterns for surrounding text (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior'), but 'thermistor' is identical.
Connotations
Purely technical with identical connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, used almost exclusively in engineering, electronics, and physics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “thermistor” in a Sentence
The [device/appliance] uses a thermistor to [function]A thermistor is [connected/mounted] in the [circuit/assembly]The resistance of the thermistor [decreases/increases] with temperature.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thermistor” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- thermistor-based protection
- thermistor-equipped module
American English
- thermistor-based circuit
- thermistor-equipped device
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, might appear in procurement contexts for electronic components or in technical specifications for products.
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, and materials science textbooks, research papers, and laboratory manuals.
Everyday
Extremely rare. An average speaker would likely say 'temperature sensor' or not know the term.
Technical
Standard term in electronics design, circuit analysis, instrumentation, and control systems documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thermistor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thermistor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thermistor”
- Misspelling as 'thermister' or 'thermisor'.
- Using as a general term for any temperature sensor.
- Incorrect plural: 'thermistors' (correct), not 'thermistor' for plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A thermometer is a general device for displaying temperature. A thermistor is a specific type of electronic component (a resistor) whose resistance changes with temperature, used within electronic circuits to sense temperature.
NTC stands for Negative Temperature Coefficient; its resistance decreases as temperature rises. PTC stands for Positive Temperature Coefficient; its resistance increases as temperature rises. They are used for different applications.
Inside many common devices: in car engines to monitor coolant temperature, in digital thermometers, in rechargeable battery packs to prevent overcharging, in 3D printers to monitor nozzle temperature, and in coffee makers to regulate heating.
Thermistors are prized for high sensitivity (large resistance change per degree), fast response time, small size, and low cost. Their main drawback is a limited temperature range and non-linear output compared to sensors like RTDs.
A type of electrical resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature.
Thermistor is usually technical in register.
Thermistor: in British English it is pronounced /θɜːˈmɪstə/, and in American English it is pronounced /θərˈmɪstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THERMal resISTOR = THERMISTOR. It's a resistor that reacts to heat.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SENTINEL FOR HEAT (it monitors and reports changes in thermal conditions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a thermistor?