thyristor

[ thahy-ris-ter ]

noun

, Electronics.

1. a semiconductor device having two stable states, used as an electronic switch.

thyristor

/ θaɪˈrɪstə /

noun

1. any of a group of semiconductor devices, such as the silicon-controlled rectifier, that can be switched between two states

Word History and Origins

Origin of thyristor¹

First recorded in 1965–70; thyr(atron) + (trans)istor

Word History and Origins

Origin of thyristor¹

C20: from thyr ( atron ) + ( trans ) istor

Example Sentences

Even the solid-state thyristor, a cousin of the transistor invented in the 1950s, offered no great advantages over the tens or hundreds of kilometres that power grids tended to span.

From Economist

Mr. Spira’s idea was to replace a rheostat, which controlled the current flow in an industrial dimmer by absorbing electrical energy on its way to a light source, with a thyristor, a type of transistor that interrupted the flow of power to the light.

From New York Times

Some bomb makers will also use other pieces of technology, like using a thyristor instead of connecting directly to the battery.

From Scientific American

A thyristor acts as a switch when an electrical signal is sent to it.

From Scientific American