Definitions for "Linear Regulator"
A popular stabilization circuit in which a control device is placed in series or parallel with the load to deliver a constant voltage across the load. The control device is always conducting, and the difference between input and output power is dissipated by the control device.
an electronic power supply circuit that attempts to produce a smoothed, constant-voltage, output from a varying input voltage
This is a technique used to stabilize voltage. Usually accomplished with a transistor that is placed either in series or parallel to the power source in order to regulate voltage across a load. Since the voltage drop in the device is not constant, this type of technique is referred to as “linear.