transistor

noun

tran·​sis·​tor tran-ˈzi-stər 

tran(t)-ˈsi-

1

: a solid-state electronic device that is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment and usually consists of a small block of a semiconductor (such as germanium) with at least three electrodes

2

: a transistorized radio

Examples of transistor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Technological developments like transistors, lasers, and lithium-ion batteries also won awards for their broad applications across industries. —Gerui Wang, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

But to be used in transistors, pure silicon must be melted down. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024

Semiconductors have become so advanced, and tiny, that some manufacturers can pack billions of transistors, essentially minuscule electrical switches, onto a single chip the size of your fingernail. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 24 Sep. 2024

After four months of testing similar transistors on the ground, engineers determined the transistors on Europa Clipper could withstand the extreme radiation the spacecraft would encounter around Jupiter, without any changes to the mission's flight plan or trajectory. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

trans- + (re)sist(ance) entry 1 + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transistor

• field-effect transistor
• transistor radio

Kids Definition

transistor

noun

tran·​sis·​tor tranz-ˈis-tər 

tran(t)s-

1

: an electronic device that consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes and is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment (as a radio or computer)

2

: a radio having transistors

called also transistor radio

Medical Definition

transistor

noun

tran·​sis·​tor tranz-ˈis-tər, tran(t)s- 

: a solid-state electronic device that is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment and consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes