Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
thermistor
Thermistor, with the electrically resistant semiconducting material set as a small bead connecting the tips of the two insulated lead wires.
thermistor
electronics
Also known as: thermal resistor
thermistor, electrical-resistance element made of a semiconducting material consisting of a mixture of oxides of manganese and nickel; its resistance varies with temperature. Thermistors (temperature-sensitive, or thermal, resistors) are used as temperature-measuring devices and in electrical circuits to compensate for temperature variations of other components. They are also used to measure radio-frequency power and radiant power, such as infrared and visible light.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.