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

One of the earliest inventions based on quantum mechanics was the transistor, developed at Nokia Bell Labs in 1947. —Nishant Batra, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

To make decently performing transistors, those TMDs had to be deposited at temperatures reaching 900º Celsius. —Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025

Today’s transistor, the FinFET, has a vertical fin of silicon at its heart. —IEEE Spectrum, 12 Dec. 2024

Tesla, according to the agency, will replace, for free, the drive inverter containing the transistor. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 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