Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
wiper arm

wiper arm

6.8
A metal arm that moves to touch different electrical contacts in a control like a volume knob
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : brazo del limpiaparabrisas
  • The position of the wiper arm determines the output voltage of the potentiometer.

Examples

  • When the wiper arm moves, it makes contact with different terminals, altering the circuit.

  • A worn wiper arm can cause intermittent faults in electronic devices.

  • The wiper arm is essential for the device's operation.

  • He replaced the broken wiper arm on the potentiometer.

  • The position of the wiper arm determines the output voltage of the potentiometer.

  • A worn wiper arm can cause intermittent faults in electronic devices.

  • When the wiper arm moves, it makes contact with different terminals, altering the circuit.

Synonyms

wiper
vswiper arm
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A moving metal arm that touches different contacts to change an electrical connection

is the conducting lever used in potentiometers and switches, not just the sliding part
contact arm
vswiper arm
  • Specialized
8.2

A metal piece that turns to touch different contact points and connect circuits

is a conducting lever that connects across contacts continuously rather than stopping on outlets

Antonyms

disconnection
9 4.2

Being separate from people, things, or contact, for example losing internet

Surface Forms

wiper arm singular
wiper arms plural

Morphology

wiper + arm

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'wiper' (a rotating/sliding contact selector) + 'arm' (an arm-like projection): it denotes the arm component of a wiper, i.e. the electrically conducting lever. This noun–noun compound follows regular English composition patterns and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Wiper arm comes from the simple picture of a moving lever: the wiper 'wipes' across a row of metal contacts while the arm is the lever that moves it. Because it 'wipes' over different contacts, it changes which electrical connection is made, so the name helps you remember its modern meaning.