A transistor is a small electronic part in something such as a television or radio, which controls the flow of electricity.
2. countable noun
A transistor or a transistor radio is a small portable radio.
[old-fashioned]
transistor in British English
(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
Word origin
C20: originally a trademark, from transfer + resistor, referring to the transfer of electric signals across a resistor
transistor in American English
(trænˈzɪstər; trænˈsɪstər)
US
noun
1.
a solid-state, electronic device, composed of semiconductor material, as germanium, silicon, etc., that controls current flow without use of a vacuum: transistors are similar in function to electron tubes, but have the advantages of being compact, long-lived, and low in power requirements
see also FET
2. Popularly
a transistorized radio
Word origin
transfer + resistor: it transfers a current across a resistor
transistor in Electrical Engineering
(trænzɪstər)
Word forms: (regular plural) transistors
noun
(Electrical engineering: Electronics components)
A transistor is a basic solid-state control device that controls current flow between two terminals, basedon the voltage or current delivered to a third terminal.
The output transistor dumps any current which is not needed by the speaker, so when it is completely turnedoff, all the current source output flows through the speaker.
Power transistors drive the armature windings at a specified motor current and voltage level.
A transistor is a basic solid-state control device that controls current flow between two terminals,based on the voltage or current delivered to a third terminal.
Examples of 'transistor' in a sentence
transistor
From the can on the table came a tinny sound, like a transistor with a sore throat.
Leeson, Robert THE THIRD CLASS GENIE (2003)
I collected the cheque myself, the perfumed broker handing it over like I'd won the transistor in Sainte Catherine's prize draw.
Dexter Petley WHITE LIES (2003)
It purported to be a jeweller's, but displayed only a few transistor radios and replica watches of dubious origin.
Forbes, Bryan THE ENDLESS GAME (2003)
Clusters of Chinese fishermen broke the silence with laughter and the tinny blare of transistor radios.
Maupin, Armistead TALES OF THE CITY (2003)
Word lists with
transistor
parts of a computer
In other languages
transistor
British English: transistor /trænˈzɪstə/ NOUN
A transistor is a small electronic component in something such as a television or radio, which is used to control electronic signals.