triode

/'traioud/

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Word: Triode

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A triode is a type of electronic device called a vacuum tube that has three main parts, or electrodes. These parts are the cathode, the anode, and the grid. The triode helps control the flow of electric current, allowing it to amplify signals. This means it can take a small electrical signal and make it stronger.

Usage Instructions

• Basic Use: You would use the word "triode" when discussing electronics, especially in older technologies like radios, amplifiers, or other sound equipment.
• Example Sentence: "The radio used a triode to amplify the weak signals from the air."

Advanced Usage

In more technical discussions, you might see the triode being compared to other types of vacuum tubes, such as diodes (which have two electrodes) and tetrodes (which have four electrodes).

Variants

• Triodal (adjective): Related to or having the characteristics of a triode. For example, "The triodal circuit improved the performance of the amplifier."
• Triodic (adjective): Pertaining to a triode.

Different Meanings

In general language, "triode" does not have many different meanings outside of electronics. However, it can indicate the three-part structure of something in a more abstract sense.

Synonyms

• Vacuum tube: A general term for devices like triodes.
• Amplifier: While not exactly the same, an amplifier often uses a triode as a component.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that use the word "triode," as it is a technical term specific to electronics.

Summary

A triode is an important component in electronics, especially in amplifying sound. It's primarily of interest in fields like engineering, music technology, and telecommunications.

Academic

Noun

1. a thermionic vacuum tube having three electrodes; fluctuations of the charge on the grid control the flow from cathode to anode which makes amplification possible