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

Quantum computing hasn’t yet had its transistor moment, and researchers are still exploring many different approaches to developing quantum hardware. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Three additional bacterial strains act as relays between the transistors. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Our journalists have explored groundbreaking discoveries and achievements, from the lifesaving development of penicillin to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to Bell Labs’ invention of the transistor. — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Traditional computers use bits represented as either 0 or 1, and are physically constrained by how tiny transistors can be miniaturized. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transistor

• field-effect transistor
• transistor radio

Rhymes for transistor

• resister
• resistor
• stepsister
• blister
• lyster
• mister
• sister
• twister

Kids 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