triac

[ trahy-ak ]

noun

, Electronics.

1. a type of thyristor designed for electronic control of the current supplied to a circuit, used especially in dimmers for lighting systems.

Word History and Origins

Origin of triac¹

1960–65; tri(ode) + A.C. alternating current

Example Sentences

Each of the bands opening for Sulfuric Cautery at Atlas this weekend — Girth, Triac, Tomb Warden, Ancient Torture Techniques — will deliver their high-speed music at brutally high volumes, so don’t forget to pack extra earplugs.

From Washington Post