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

Tim loved math, the outdoors, and building electronics with transistors. —Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Whatever they are eventually called – chips or bits or transistors – the team in Jauregui’s lab works to create devices that eventually could power quantum computers, including some that are using the theory proven by his recent experiments. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025

An ion implanter paints microscopic transistors to create circuits. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Conventional memory devices use separate magnetic cells and transistors. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025

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