zener diode Hear it!

zener diode definition

☆ ze·ner diode (zē′nər)

a semiconductor diode usually used as a voltage regulator because its resistance breaks down at a precise, predetermined voltage level (zener voltage), at which time it maintains a constant voltage while producing a sudden large increase in current

Etymology: after Clarence Zener (1905-93), U.S. physicist

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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