wire-wound resistor
Very LowTechnical (Electronics Engineering)
Definition
Meaning
A type of electrical resistor where the resistive element is a length of wire wound around a core.
A precision resistor known for its stability, low temperature coefficient, and ability to handle high power, used in electronic circuits where accuracy and durability are critical.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun that specifies the construction method ('wire-wound') and the component's function ('resistor'). It is a hypernym for more specific types like 'power resistor' or 'precision resistor'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No spelling or lexical differences for this specific technical term.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Exclusively used in technical/engineering contexts in both regions with equal frequency within those domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [specification] wire-wound resistor [function]A wire-wound resistor is used for [purpose]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used in general business contexts.
Academic
Used in engineering textbooks, research papers, and lab manuals on circuit design and electronic components.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in datasheets, schematic diagrams, circuit analysis, and discussions among electrical engineers and technicians.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The wire-wound resistor bank needed cooling.
- We selected a wire-wound type for its stability.
American English
- The wire-wound resistor array needed cooling.
- We selected a wire-wound style for its stability.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The technician replaced a burnt component with a wire-wound resistor.
- For the power supply section, a high-wattage wire-wound resistor is more suitable than a carbon film type.
- The design's longevity hinges on using a precision wire-wound resistor with a low temperature coefficient to mitigate thermal drift.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a coil of wire WOUND around a spool, RESISTing the flow of electricity like a narrow path resists the flow of a crowd.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REGULATOR (it controls/limits the flow of electrical current).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'провод-рана резистор'. The correct translation is 'резистор с проволочной обмоткой' or simply 'проволочный резистор'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'wirewound' or 'wire wound' (should be hyphenated when used attributively).
- Confusing it with an 'inductor', which is also wire-wound but serves a different function.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a wire-wound resistor?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are wound wire, a resistor is designed to impede current and dissipate power as heat. A coil (inductor) is designed to store energy in a magnetic field.
The wire needs physical length to achieve the desired resistance, and the construction must dissipate heat effectively, often requiring a larger body or heatsink.
No. They are ideal for power and precision applications but have inherent inductance which can make them unsuitable for high-frequency circuits where film resistors are preferred.
It measures how much the resistor's value changes with temperature. A low temperature coefficient (e.g., <50 ppm/°C) is a key advantage of precision wire-wound resistors.