Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Barretter \Bar"ret*ter\, n. [OF. bareter to exchange. Cf.
   {Barter}.] (Wireless Teleg.)
   A thermal cymoscope which operates by increased resistance
   when subjected to the influence of electric waves. The
   original form consisted of an extremely fine platinum wire
   loop attached to terminals and inclosed in a small glass or
   silver bulb. In a later variety, called the

   {liquid barretter}, wire is replace by a column of liquid in
      a very fine capillary tube.

Source : WordNet®

barretter
     n : a resistor inserted into a circuit to compensate for changes
         (as those arising from temperature fluctuations) [syn: {ballast
         resistor}, {ballast}]