What Does Resistor Mean?
A resistor is an electrical component with two terminals that is used to limit or regulate the flow of electrical current in electronic circuits. Its purpose is to reduce current flow as well as lower the voltage levels in its general vicinity or portion of the circuit. A resistor is meant to regulate the actual load on the system, meaning that it uses up electricity and dissipates it as heat, thereby effectively reducing the amount of electricity flowing out of it by specific amounts.
Techopedia Explains Resistor
The resistor is one of the most important components in an electronic circuit as it allows the designer to precisely control the amount of current and voltage flowing at certain areas in the circuit. Therefore, it is an absolute requirement to ensure that sensitive electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs) receive the precise amount of power that they require and nothing more, as an incorrect load often leads to degradation or outright burnout of ICs.