diode

diode (ˈdaɪəʊd)
—n
1.	More formal name: semiconductor diode a semiconductor device containing one p-n junction, used in circuits for converting alternating current to direct current
2.	the earliest and simplest type of electronic valve having two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, between which a current can flow only in one direction. It was formerly widely used as a rectifier and detector but has now been replaced in most electrical circuits by the more efficient and reliable semiconductor diode
[C20: from di-1 + -ode²]

diode

diode   (dī'ōd')  Pronunciation Key  (click for larger image in new window) An electrical device with two active terminals, an anode and a cathode, through which current passes more easily in one direction (from anode to cathode) than in the reverse direction. Diodes have many uses, including conversion of AC power to DC power, and the decoding of audio-frequency signals from radio signals.

diode definition

hardware, electronics
A semiconductor device which conducts electric current run in one direction only. This is the simplest kind of semiconductor device, it has two terminals and a single PN junction. One diode can be used as a half-wave rectifier or four as a full-wave rectifier.
(1995-03-14)