transistor

transistor (trænˈzɪstə)
—n
1.	junction transistor See also field-effect transistor 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
2.	informal a transistor radio
[C20: originally a trademark, from transfer + resistor, referring to the transfer of electric signals across a resistor]

transistor

1947. It that took over many functions of the vacuum tube. Transistor radio is first recorded 1958.

transistor   (trān-zĭs'tər)  Pronunciation Key  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. See also logic circuit, logic gate.

transistor definition

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.

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

transistor definition

electronics
A three terminal semiconductor amplifying device, the fundamental component of most active electronic circuits, including digital electronics. The transistor was invented on 1947-12-23 at Bell Labs.
There are two kinds, the bipolar transistor (also called the junction transistor), and the field effect transistor (FET).
Transistors and other components are interconnected to make complex integrated circuits such as logic gates, microprocessors and memory.
(1995-10-05)