phototransistor
1
7.4
- noun
- /ˌfoʊtəʊtrænˈzɪstər/
- Specialized
:
fototransistor
- Engineers use a phototransistor to measure the intensity of light in various applications.
Examples
-
The phototransistor in the circuit turned on the LED when it detected sunlight.
-
The optical adapter contains the light-emitting diode (LED) sources that drive the fibers, phototransistor receivers, and analog amplifiers.
Academic text (1990) -
The phototransistor responds to light reflected from the cutaneous vascular bed (1).
Academic text (1990) -
A phototransistor can convert light signals into electrical signals, making it essential for automatic lighting systems.
Synonyms
2
6.2
A device that senses light and makes an electric signal
1
6.6
A small device that makes electricity when light hits it to show how bright the light is
1
8.1
A small device that lets more electricity pass when light hits it
1
7.2
A device that senses light and makes an electric signal
1
8.6
A tool that measures how bright light is
A device that makes a small electric signal when light hits it to detect or measure light
A part in a camera or machine that detects light and makes an electric signal
A material or part that can carry electricity when light shines on it
Surface Forms
Morphology
phototransistor = transistor (transparent) = photo + transistor
The meaning is directly compositional: a transistor associated with or responsive to light.
Etymology
Phototransistor joins photo ('light') — the same 'photo' you see in photograph — and transistor, a small device that controls electricity. So a phototransistor is a transistor that reacts to light and changes an electric signal when light hits it.