a semiconductor diode usually used as a voltage regulator because its resistance breaks down at a precise, predetermined voltage level (), at which time it maintains a constant voltage while producing a sudden large increase in current
Origin:
after Clarence Zener (1905-93), U.S. physicist
See zener diode in American Heritage Dictionary 4
or Ze·ner diode
noun
A silicon semiconductor device used as a voltage regulator because of its ability to maintain an almost constant voltage with a wide range of currents.
Origin:
Origin: After Clarence Melvin Zener (1905-1993), American physicist