transistor
noun
tran·sis·tor
tran-ˈzi-stər 
tran(t)-ˈsi-
1
: 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 (such as germanium) with at least three electrodes
2
: a transistorized radio
Examples of transistor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When my mother was born, there were no transistors.
—
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 May 2025
When used unconventionally, a single, conventional silicon transistor can simulate a biological neuron and synapse, according to research from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
In semiconductor technology, smaller nanometer sizes signify more compact transistor designs, which lead to greater processing power and efficiency.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
At the transistor level, the device uses what are called depletion-mode inverters.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transistor
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Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 May 2025
When used unconventionally, a single, conventional silicon transistor can simulate a biological neuron and synapse, according to research from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
In semiconductor technology, smaller nanometer sizes signify more compact transistor designs, which lead to greater processing power and efficiency.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
At the transistor level, the device uses what are called depletion-mode inverters.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for transistor
Cite this Entry
“Transistor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transistor. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
transistor
noun
tran·sis·tor
tranz-ˈis-tər
tran(t)s-
1
: an electronic device that consists of a small block of a semiconductor (as germanium) with at least three electrodes and is used to control the flow of electricity in electronic equipment (as a radio or computer)
2
: a radio having transistors
called also transistor radio
Medical Definition
transistor
noun
tran·sis·tor
tranz-ˈis-tər, tran(t)s-
: 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
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