transistor

noun

tran·​sis·​tor tran-ˈzi-stər How to pronounce transistor (audio)
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

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Grid current passes through silicon carbide transistors that switch at high frequency before sending it through a small conventional transformer, preserving the essential electrical isolation between the grid and everything downstream. — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 The old method assembled circuits from individual transistors, as if a jumble of disconnected body parts were stitched together. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Improvements can even open new uses for electronics Benoit Lessard’s research group at the University of Ottawa is exploring different materials that can serve as the base layer for these conducting stacks, known as thin-film transistors. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Rather than cram more transistors onto a single layer of silicon, Huawei is stacking chips in three dimensions. — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transistor

Word History

Etymology

trans- + (re)sist(ance) entry 1 + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transistor was in 1948

Phrases Containing transistor

Rhymes for transistor

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Browse Nearby Words

transisthmian
transistor
transistorize
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Cite this Entry

“Transistor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transistor. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

transistor

noun
tran·​sis·​tor tranz-ˈis-tər How to pronounce transistor (audio)
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- How to pronounce transistor (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on transistor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about transistor

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