Definition
A resistor in which the two connecting wires (leads) extend straight out from each end of the cylindrical resistor body, along its central axis. This shape allows the resistor to be mounted by passing its leads through holes in a circuit board or by attaching them to terminal points on each side.
Plain English
A small tube-shaped electrical component that limits current flow, with one wire sticking straight out of each end so it can be wired into a circuit.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical and avionics maintenance, especially when identifying parts on a circuit board, wiring diagram, or component repair manual.
Derivation
Axial comes from the Latin axis, meaning a line through the centre. The leads run along this central line, hence axial-lead. This contrasts with radial-lead resistors, where the leads come out the same side.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot normally does not handle this part in flight, but understanding the term helps when reading about aircraft electrical systems, maintenance writeups, or avionics repairs.
Analogy
Picture a small cylinder, like a short piece of dowel, with a wire poking straight out of each end — that is the basic shape of an axial-lead resistor.
Intuition Check
Lead does not mean the metal lead or the front position here. In this term, a lead is the wire used to connect an electrical part into a circuit.
Example Sentence 1
The technician replaced a burned axial-lead resistor on the avionics circuit board during the bench check.
Example Sentence 2
After bending the leads of the axial-lead resistor to match the hole spacing, the mechanic soldered it in place.