What Does Potentiometer (Pot) Mean?

A potentiometer is a type of resistor featuring variable and adjustable resistance controlled via a sliding or rotating contact. In order to regulate resistance, the potentiometer acts as a voltage divider, lowering or increasing the voltage output by controlling the resistance value. It is usually used to control electronic devices such as the knob that controls volume and other functions in an audio/video equipment.

Techopedia Explains Potentiometer (Pot)

A potentiometer is essentially a manually adjustable resistor that has three terminals. It is also an electro-mechanical circuit since it has moving parts and electronic components. The slider determines the resistance of the device, which, by principles of electricity, also varies the resultant voltage moving out of the device.