transistor

noun

tran·​sis·​tor tran-ˈzi-stər How to pronounce transistor (audio)
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
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.
The idea centers on using 3D architectural innovation to deliver gains similar to higher transistor density, offering a potential route around some of the constraints imposed by advanced-node restrictions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 The transistors are stacked on top of one another in a staggered layout in order to maximize the number that can be placed on a single chip. — Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The 1-nm figure isn't really an accurate measure of the size of transistors anymore. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 June 2026 The smaller the number, the more transistors can fit on a chip the size of a fingernail. — CBS News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for transistor

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transistor was in 1948

Phrases Containing transistor

Rhymes for transistor

See All Rhymes for transistor

Browse Nearby Words

transisthmian
transistor
transistorize
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Cite this Entry

“Transistor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transistor. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

transistor

noun
tran·​sis·​tor tranz-ˈis-tər How to pronounce transistor (audio)
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- How to pronounce transistor (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on transistor

Nglish: Translation of transistor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about transistor

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