transistor

[ tran-zis-ter ]

noun

1. Electronics. a semiconductor device that amplifies, oscillates, or switches the flow of current between two terminals by varying the current or voltage between one of the terminals and a third: although much smaller in size than a vacuum tube, it performs similar functions without requiring current to heat a cathode.
2. Informal. a transistorized radio.

adjective

1. Informal. transistorized:

   a transistor radio.

transistor

/ trænˈzɪstə /

noun

1. a semiconductor device, having three or more terminals attached to electrode regions, in which current flowing between two electrodes is controlled by a voltage or current applied to one or more specified electrodes. The device is capable of amplification, etc, and has replaced the valve in most circuits since it is much smaller, more robust, and works at a much lower voltage See also junction transistor field-effect transistor
2. informal.
   a transistor radio

transistor

/ trăn-zĭs′tər /

1. An electronic device that controls the flow of an electric current, most often used as an amplifier or switch. Transistors usually consist of three layers of semiconductor material, in which the flow of electric current across the outer layer is regulated by the voltage or current applied at the middle layer. Having replaced the vacuum tube, transistors are the basis of much modern electronic technology, including the microprocessor.
2. See also logic circuit

transistor

1. An electronic device that can work as an amplifier , transforming weak electrical signals into strong ones. It is normally made from silicon or other semiconductors .

Notes

The transistor is the basic device used in miniaturized electronic systems, such as portable radios, or as a fast switch in computers .

Word History and Origins

Origin of transistor¹

First recorded in 1945–50; trans(fer) + (res)istor

Word History and Origins

Origin of transistor¹

C20: originally a trademark, from transfer + resistor , referring to the transfer of electric signals across a resistor

Example Sentences

“I will never know why I chose a guitar because a transistor radio was all I ever wanted,” she told the Guardian.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking to Jane MacSorley and Simon Farquhar for BBC Radio 4's new podcast Intrigue: Worse Than Murder, Muriel's son Ian McKay described how he was living in Australia and working with an artist on a book project when he learned of his mother's disappearance on a "little transistor radio".

From BBC

“I will never know why I chose a guitar because a transistor radio was all I ever wanted,” she told the Guardian.

From Los Angeles Times

For decades, listening to Vin Scully on a transistor radio became part of the quintessential experience for any fan attending a game at Dodger Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

And although he didn’t grow up with a television in the home, he remembers tuning in to games on his transistor radio and listening under the covers.

From Los Angeles Times