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.
In laboratory experiments testing his system with large vacuum tubes mimicking conditions in space, Takahashi was able to reach 25 mN, tripling the power output compared to previous experiments. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Transistors grew out of challenges to the limits of vacuum tubes. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Scientists in a lab in China have developed a remarkable vacuum tube that could help make a game-changer electronic warfare device, according to a report. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025 Engineers in China are testing the use of low-vacuum tubes to remove this issue. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025 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 Sep. 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

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