Transistor - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A transistor is a tiny electronic device that controls or amplifies electrical signals. It is a key component in modern electronics, used in computers, radios, and many other devices to switch or regulate current.
Definition:
A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.
Synonyms:
semiconductor, amplifier, switch, solid-state device
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
vacuum tube, mechanical switch
Common Collocations:
transistor radio, transistor amplifier, transistor circuit, transistor technology
Derivatives:
transistors, transistorized
Usage Tips:
Use "transistor" when referring to electronic components in circuits or devices like radios and computers.
Common Phrases:
transistor radio, transistor era, solid-state transistor
Etymology:
Blend of "transfer" and "resistor," coined in 1948 by Bell Labs engineers.
Examples:
- 1. The transistor revolutionized modern electronics by replacing bulky vacuum tubes.
- 2. She repaired the old radio by replacing a faulty transistor.
- 3. Transistors are essential components in computers and smartphones.
- 4. The engineer designed a circuit using multiple transistors for amplification.