Any two-terminal solid-state device in which the electric current I increases considerably faster than the voltage V. This nonlinear effect may occur over all, or only part, of the current-voltage characteristic. It is generally specified as I∝Vn, where n is a number ranging from 3 to 35 depending on the type of varistor. The main use of varistors is to protect electrical and electronic equipment against high-voltage surges by shunting them to ground. See also: Electric protective devices