Transistor

/trænˈzɪstər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A semiconductor device that can amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.

The radio works better now that I've replaced the faulty transistor.

A crucial component in modern electronic devices, allowing for the miniaturization of circuits.

Transistors are used in computers to process information.

A basic building block of modern electronic systems used in signal modulation.

The operation of a transistor is fundamental to understanding electronics.

An electronic switch that can increase the power or signal from a circuit.

The amplifier circuit uses transistors to boost sound signals.

A device that relies on the flow of current through a semiconductor material.

Silicon transistors have largely replaced vacuum tubes in most applications.

The term 'transistor' is a portmanteau of 'transfer' and 'resistor'.

bipolar transistor

A type of transistor that uses both electron and hole charge carriers.

field-effect transistor (FET)

A type of transistor that relies on an electric field to control the flow of current.

semiconductor

A material that has electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator.

microchip

A small semiconductor device containing integrated circuits.

Transistor radio

He listens to music on his old transistor radio.

Transistor effect

The transistor effect allows for much smaller devices in modern technology.