Crossword Genius

Rambling rose that gives varied resistance (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rheostat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'varied resistance' is the definition.
'rheostat' can be an answer for 'resistance' (rheostat is a kind of resistance). I'm not certain of the 'varied' bit.

'rambling rose that' is the wordplay.
'rambling' is an anagram indicator.
'rose'+'that'='rosethat'
'rosethat' anagrammed gives 'RHEOSTAT'.

'gives' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rheostat that I've seen before include "Current controller" , "Electrical device" , "Variable resistor" , "showing some resistance" , "Sort heat with Instrument that controls the current in an electrical circuit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app