Finesentence logo

Resistive: meaning, definitions and examples

⚡
Add to dictionary

resistive

 

[ rɪˈzɪs.tɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

electrical properties

Resistive refers to the property of a material or component that opposes the flow of electric current. This characteristic is crucial in electrical engineering, as it determines how much current will flow through a circuit for a given voltage. The greater the resistive property, the more energy is dissipated as heat.

Synonyms

inhibitive, opposing, resistant

Examples of usage

  • The resistive nature of the wire caused it to heat up.
  • Using resistive elements improves circuit stability.
  • Resistive loads are commonly found in heating devices.
  • The resistive force in the system affected the overall efficiency.

Etymology

The term 'resistive' originated from the Latin word 'resistere', which means 'to withstand or oppose'. The prefix 're-' denotes 'back' or 'again', and 'sistere' means 'to stand'. The adaptation of this term in the context of electricity and materials science began in the early 19th century, coinciding with the development of electrical theory and applications. As scientists like Ohm explored the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, the notion of resistive materials gained prominence. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various contexts, including mechanical resistive forces and thermal resistivity, illustrating its broad application in physical sciences.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,724, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.