transistor

[/trænˈzɪstər/ or /trænˈsɪstər/]
nounmasculinepl: transistors / transístores
transístor
1. A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power
The transistor revolutionized electronics by replacing the vacuum tube.
O transístor revolucionou a eletrônica ao substituir a válvula a vácuo.
2. A small electronic component commonly used in circuits, computers, and amplifiers
Modern processors contain billions of transistors on a single chip.
Os processadores modernos contêm bilhões de transístores em um único chip.
The transistor is a fundamental component in modern electronics and is particularly important in Brazilian and Portuguese technical education and industry. The term is universally used in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries without significant variation. In Brazil, discussion of transistors is common in engineering, computer science, and electronics courses at universities like USP and UFRJ.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
semiconductorelectronic componentsemiconductor device
Antonyms / Antônimos
vacuum tubethermionic valve

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
transístor
Standard term used in technical and educational contexts
Brazil
transístor
Universal spelling in Brazilian Portuguese technical documentation
Portugal
transístor
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; standard technical term
USA
transistor
Standard English pronunciation with stress on first syllable in technical contexts

Related Words

semiconductordiodeintegrated circuitmicrochipamplifierelectronic circuit

Related Idioms & Phrases

transistor radio - a portable radio powered by transistors
transistor effect - the amplifying or switching capability of a transistor
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