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transistor definition

☆ tran·sis·tor (tran zis′tər, -sis′-)

noun

  1. a solid-state, electronic device, composed of semiconductor material, as germanium, silicon, etc., that controls current flow without use of a vacuum: transistors are similar in function to electron tubes, but have the advantages of being compact, long-lived, and low in power requirements
  2. popularly a transistorized radio

Etymology: tran(sfer) + (re)sistor: it transfers a current across a resistor

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

telecom transistor definition - telecom

transistor Synonyms

transistor

n.

  1. An electronic device

    electron tube, conductor, semiconductor; see communications, electronics.

  2. *Radio

    portable, pocket radio, battery-powered radio; see radio 2.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

transistor Usage Examples

Preposition: on

  • chip: According to Moore's law, the number of transistors on a chip doubles every two years.

Converse of object

  • switch: These sensors are supplied power by a switching transistor to conserve power with battery operated products.

Adjective modifier

  • bipolar: The result is that the bipolar transistor dies the " heat death " .

Modifies a noun

  • amplifier: In fact, in practice, the devices are made up using transistor amplifiers.

Noun used with modifier

  • field-effect: Mike's PhD is on the synthesis of conjugated thiophene derivatives for use in field-effect transistors.
transistor usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"transistor." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/transistor>

APA Style

transistor. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/transistor

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