transistor

tran·sis·tor   (trān-zĭs'tər, -sĭs'-)    n.   A small electronic device containing a semiconductor and having at least three electrical contacts, used in a circuit as an amplifier, detector, or switch. A transistor radio. [trans(fer) + (res)istor.]

Main Entry: tran·sis·tor
Pronunciation: tranz-'is-t&r, tran(t)s-
Function: noun
: a solid-state electronic device that is used to controlthe flow of electricity in electronic equipment and consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes

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 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)