diode

noun

di·​ode ˈdī-ˌōd 

: an electronic device that has two electrodes or terminals and is used especially as a rectifier

Examples of diode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As diodes and transistors work harder and get hotter, their susceptibility to degradation intensifies exponentially. —Jason Kehe, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2018

Unlike the other options that use IPL technology with a diffused light effect, this one uses an 810nm diode laser—essentially a focused laser beam. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024

This has a height of 366 ft (111 m) and a width of 516 ft (157 m), while its record-breaking LED display consists of roughly 1.2 million LED pucks, with each puck in turn containing 48 individual LED diodes. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024

This is analogous to transistors and diodes in electronics, which provide switching and amplification capabilities. —Kazuhiro Gomi, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

di- + -ode

Note: The term was originated by the British physicist William Henry Eccles (1875-1966) in the journal The Electrician, vol. 82, no.16 (April 18, 1919), p. 475.

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing diode

• light-emitting diode
• zener diode

Kids Definition

diode

noun

di·​ode ˈdī-ˌōd 

: an electronic device with two electrodes that is used especially for changing alternating current into direct current