Definition

Noun: - An electronic device consisting of a system of electrodes arranged in an evacuated glass or metal envelope: A vacuum tube is a component that controls electric current through a vacuum in a sealed container. It was fundamental in early electronics for amplification, switching, and signal processing.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The old radio was repaired by replacing a faulty vacuum tube.
  • Before the transistor, computers relied on thousands of vacuum tubes, which generated a lot of heat.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a vacuum tube": to function as or be based on vacuum tube technology.
  • The amplifier is a vacuum tube design, prized by audiophiles for its warm sound.

Variants and Related Words

• Thermionic valve (n): Another term for a vacuum tube, commonly used in British English.
  • The circuit diagram specified a thermionic valve for the output stage.
• Tube (n): A common shortened form of "vacuum tube".
  • He collects vintage tubes for his guitar amplifier.
• Valve (n): A common shortened form of "thermionic valve".
  • The old television set needs a new valve.

Synonyms

• Electron tube: A technical synonym emphasizing the flow of electrons.
• Thermionic tube: A synonym highlighting the thermionic emission of electrons.

Related Phrases

• Vacuum tube amplifier: An amplifier that uses vacuum tubes to increase the power of a signal.
  • Many guitarists prefer the sound of a vacuum tube amplifier.
• Vacuum tube rectifier: A vacuum tube used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
  • The power supply uses a vacuum tube rectifier for its high-voltage circuit.

Noun

1. electronic device consisting of a system of electrodes arranged in an evacuated glass or metal envelope