HYSTERESIS

noun

16 Scrabble

14 WWF

H 4

Y 4

S 1

T 1

E 1

R 1

E 1

S 1

I 1

S 1

Definition

A property of a system such that an output value is not a strict function of the corresponding input, but also incorporates some lag, delay, or history dependence, and in particular when the response for a decrease in the input variable is different from the response for an increase. For example, a thermostat with a nominal setpoint of 75° might switch the controlled heat source on when the temperature drops below 74°, and off when it rises above 76°.