potentiometer

noun

po·​ten·​ti·​om·​e·​ter pə-ˌten(t)-shē-ˈä-mə-tər How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
1
: an instrument for measuring electromotive forces
2
: voltage divider
potentiometric
pə-ˌten(t)-sh(ē-)ə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
adjective

Examples of potentiometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The numbers inside circles refer to the potentiometers used to set the values of parameters. — Stephen Cass, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2023 Yet the dash lights, sound system, and climate-control potentiometer, for example, never flare or spike strangely due to the higher-wattage output. — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025 The device features an analog joystick for navigation, as well as a potentiometer for tweaking settings and control of functions. — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 17 Feb. 2025 There’s a 32-step digital potentiometer for controlling the volume level and includes a push function for switching inputs. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 On the control front, the X20 introduces magnetic TMR thumbsticks, replacing the carbon-film potentiometers that made the original Xbox Ally more prone to stick drift and physical wear. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary potential + -o- + -meter

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of potentiometer was in 1868

Rhymes for potentiometer

See All Rhymes for potentiometer

Browse Nearby Words

potentilla
potentiometer
potentiometric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potentiometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentiometer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

potentiometer

noun
po·​ten·​ti·​om·​e·​ter pə-ˌten-chē-ˈäm-ət-ər How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring electromotive forces
potentiometric
-ch(ē-)ə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce potentiometer (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on potentiometer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potentiometer

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