thyristor

1 8.5

An electronic part that acts like a switch for electric current

noun
/θaɪˈrɪstər/

Specialized

: tiristor

Gate-turn-off thyristors change the 25 kilovolts (50 Hz) AC power to three-phase power to run the traction motors.
thyristors turn

If I were working with giant gate turn off thyristors, then that would be a different story and then I would have to put some numbers on them.

Examples

If I were working with giant gate turn off thyristors, then that would be a different story and then I would have to put some numbers on them.

MIT OpenCourseWare
In this power supply, the thyristor functions as a switch to control the electrical current.
The main component in this circuit design is the thyristor, which regulates the flow of electricity.
To protect the system, a thyristor was added to manage the high voltage and prevent overload.

Synonyms

transistor

vsthyristor

Specialized

26 5.1

A small electronic part that controls or makes electrical signals stronger

is used only for switching current rather than amplifying signals

thyratron

vsthyristor

Archaic

1 9.9

A tube filled with gas that switches large electric currents very quickly

is a general current switch not limited to very large currents

Surface Forms

thyristor singular

thyristors plural

Etymology

Thyristor is a name formed from two earlier device names: transistor (a common electronic switch or amplifier) and thyratron (an older gas-filled tube used as a switch). So a thyristor is a type of electronic switch that can allow or block electrical current, which is why it is used to control power in circuits.