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
The transistor can detect image changes in just 100 microseconds, much faster than human perception.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
When computing became cheaper per transistor, the world did not use the same amount of compute.
—Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
In semiconductor manufacturing, smaller nanometer sizes mean denser transistors, which boost processing speed and improve energy efficiency.
—Anniek Bao,dylan Butts, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2026
In transistors, the classic insulator silicon dioxide loses its ability to insulate at about 1.2 nanometers.
—Mahesh Nepal, The Conversation, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for transistor
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Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
When computing became cheaper per transistor, the world did not use the same amount of compute.
—Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
In semiconductor manufacturing, smaller nanometer sizes mean denser transistors, which boost processing speed and improve energy efficiency.
—Anniek Bao,dylan Butts, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2026
In transistors, the classic insulator silicon dioxide loses its ability to insulate at about 1.2 nanometers.
—Mahesh Nepal, The Conversation, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for transistor
Cite this Entry
“Transistor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transistor. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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