p-n-p transistor

7.5

A small electronic part with three layers that controls and increases electric current

noun
/ˈpiːˌɛnˈpiː ˈtrænˌzɪstər/

Specialized

: transistor p-n-p

She replaced the faulty p-n-p transistor in the amplifier to restore its function.

Examples

The p-n-p transistor is widely used in low-power amplification circuits.
A circuit may use either an n-p-n or a p-n-p transistor depending on the required polarity.
The p-n-p transistor is widely used in electronic circuits.
Can you explain how a p-n-p transistor works?
She replaced the faulty p-n-p transistor in the amplifier to restore its function.
The p-n-p transistor is widely used in low-power amplification circuits.
A circuit may use either an n-p-n or a p-n-p transistor depending on the required polarity.

Surface Forms

p-n-p transistor singular

p-n-p transistors plural

Morphology

p-n-p + transistor

The segment 'p-n-p' is a technical notation referring to semiconductor doping types (p-type and n-type) rather than ordinary lexical items, so a B1 learner who only knows the word 'transistor' cannot infer the specific layered structure or function. Understanding the full meaning requires domain-specific knowledge of semiconductor physics, not just knowledge of the constituent tokens, making the expression non-compositional for general learners.

Etymology

P-n-p transistor comes from the order of its layers: a p layer, an n layer, and another p layer, like bread and filling. The letters 'p' and 'n' show the type of material, so the name means a transistor with an n layer sandwiched between two p layers that controls electric current in a circuit.