The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RESISTOR
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
E
S
I
S
T
O
R
More clues leading to the result RESISTOR
- Electrical device dispersing rioters outside front of shop
- Current device succeeded in dispersing rioters
- Group of stores is to retail electrical component
- Bit of circuitry deteriorates and is to be pulled up — engineers to the fore!
- Roisters about but ineffectual without 13
- One may account for current restriction
- Sister used alternative device
- Break gate; inside is one device
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Bit of circuitry" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bit of circuitry = resistor.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RESISTOR mean?
RESISTOR noun- One who resists, especially a person who fights against an occupying army.
- An electric component that transmits current in direct proportion to the voltage across it.