therm·is·tor

[ther-mis-ter, thur-muh-ster]
noun Electronics.
a resistor whose action depends upon changes of its resistance material with changes in temperature.
Origin:
1935–40; therm- + (res)istor

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
thermistor (θɜːˈmɪstə) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—n
a semiconductor device having a resistance that decreases rapidly with an increase in temperature. It is used for temperature measurement, to compensate for temperature variations in a circuit, etc
 
[C20: from thermo- + (res)istor]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Thermistor is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
thermistor   (thûr'mĭs'tər)  Pronunciation Key 
A resistor whose resistance varies as a function of temperature. Thermistors are used in electrical devices such as thermometers and thermostats that measure, monitor, or regulate temperature. See more at resistor.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

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.

Learn more about thermistor with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Example sentences
For general-purpose use, the thermistor and wire leads often are mounted in a protective metal sheath.
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