transistor

noun tran·sis·tor \tran-ˈzis-tər, tran(t)-ˈsis-\

: a small device that is used to control the flow of electricity in radios, computers, etc.

Full Definition of TRANSISTOR

: a solid-state electronic device that is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment and usually consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes

: a transistorized radio

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Origin of TRANSISTOR

¹transfer + resistor; from its transferring an electrical signal across a resistor

First Known Use: 1948

Rhymes with TRANSISTOR

half sister, persister, resister, resistor, sob sister, solicitor, stepsister, tongue twister, weak sister

TRANSISTOR Defined for Kids

transistor

noun tran·sis·tor \tran-ˈzi-stər\

Definition of TRANSISTOR for Kids

: a small solid electronic device used for controlling the flow of electricity

Medical Dictionary

transistor

noun tran·sis·tor \tranz-ˈis-tər, tran(t)s-\

Medical Definition of TRANSISTOR

: a solid-state electronic device that is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment and consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes