varactor

[ vuh-rak-ter ]

noun
  1. a semiconductor diode whose capacitance changes to match applied voltage, used to tune circuits by varying the reactance.

Origin of varactor

1
1955–60; var(iable re)actor

Words Nearby varactor

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British Dictionary definitions for varactor

varactor

/ (ˈvɛəˌræktə) /


noun
  1. a semiconductor diode that acts as a voltage-dependent capacitor, being operated with a reverse bias: Compare varistor

Origin of varactor

1
C20: probably a blend of variable reactor

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