vacuum tube

noun

: an electron tube evacuated to a high degree of vacuum

Examples of vacuum tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From re-creating the sound of legendary recording studios to bringing the warm, analog sound of vacuum tubes and turntables into an age of lossless audio and Wi-Fi streaming, the world’s top car audio companies are turning it up to 11. Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 27 July 2025 Unveiled at the meeting were autonomous taxis, Uber-Air, gravity vacuum tubes for transit, hoverboards, e-skates and more. Sam Schwartz, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025 After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1924 with a degree in electrical engineering, DuMont worked in a plant that manufactured vacuum tubes. IEEE Spectrum, 3 July 2025 This model comes with a vacuum tube, a blower tube, and a collection bag. Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for vacuum tube

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vacuum tube was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Vacuum tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vacuum%20tube. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

vacuum tube

noun
: an electron tube from which most of the air has been removed

Medical Definition

vacuum tube

noun
: an electronic device in which conduction by electrons takes place through a vacuum within a sealed glass or metal container and which has various uses based on the controlled flow of electrons

More from Merriam-Webster on vacuum tube

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