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.
They are designed to perform probabilistic computing by using the natural thermodynamic fluctuations of CMOS transistors instead of relying on conventional digital logic. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 While severing thread-ectronics will destroy them, eutectogels are stable, soft enough to touch or connect to the human body, and allow transistor repair through the simple application of low heat. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 The final results offer looks inside various items in Pavleski’s workshop, including a microSD card and tiny transistors. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026 Scientists at the lab earned at least 10 Nobel Prizes, and invented the transistor and the modern solar cell. — Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 21 July 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 5 Aug. 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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