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transistor definition

☆ tran·sis·tor (tran zis′tər, -sis′-)

noun

  1. a solid-state, electronic device, composed of semiconductor material, as germanium, silicon, etc., that controls current flow without use of a vacuum: transistors are similar in function to electron tubes, but have the advantages of being compact, long-lived, and low in power requirements
  2. popularly a transistorized radio

Etymology: tran(sfer) + (re)sistor: it transfers a current across a resistor

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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