vacuum tube

[/ˈvækjuəm tjuːb/]
nounpl: vacuum tubes
válvula termoiônica
1. An electronic device consisting of a sealed glass or metal envelope containing a vacuum or low-pressure gas, used to control and amplify electric currents in electronic equipment
The old radio used vacuum tubes to amplify the signal.
O rádio antigo usava válvulas termoiônicas para amplificar o sinal.
2. A cathode ray tube or similar vacuum-based electronic component used in early electronic devices
Vacuum tubes were essential components in early computers and televisions.
As válvulas termoiônicas eram componentes essenciais nos primeiros computadores e televisores.
Vacuum tubes are primarily of historical and nostalgic interest today. In Brazil, there is growing interest in vintage audio equipment and retro electronics, making this term relevant among audiophiles and vintage technology enthusiasts. In the USA, vacuum tube amplifiers remain popular in high-end audio and guitar amplification circles, representing a technological era before the transistor revolution.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
thermionic valvevalveelectron tubetube
Antonyms / Antônimos
transistorsemiconductorsolid-state device

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
válvula termoiônica
Standard technical term used in electronics and engineering
General Brazilian
tubo de vácuo
Literal translation, less common but sometimes used
Portugal
válvula termoiónica
European Portuguese spelling with accent on the 'i'
Colloquial
válvula
Shortened form commonly used in casual contexts

Related Words

cathodeanodefilamentelectronicsamplifierrectifier

Related Idioms & Phrases

old tube technology
vintage vacuum tube equipment
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