An autotransformer is an electrical
transformer with only one winding. The winding has at least three electrical connection points called
taps. The
voltage source is applied to two taps and the
load is connected to two taps one of which is usually a common connection that is also connected to the source. Each
tap corresponds to a different source or load
voltage. In an autotransformer a portion of the same winding effectively acts as part of both the primary and secondary winding.
See more at Wikipedia.org...