transistor

 
Pronunciation: /tranˈzɪstə, trɑːn-, -ˈsɪ-/

noun

  • a semiconductor device with three connections, capable of amplification in addition to rectification.
  • (also transistor radio) a portable radio using circuits containing transistors rather than valves.

Origin:

1940s: from transconductance, on the pattern of words such as varistor