thermionic current
- noun
- /ˌθɜrmiˈɒnɪk ˈkɜrənt/
- Specialized
:
corriente termiónica
- A vacuum tube relies on thermionic current between the cathode and anode to operate properly.
Examples
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Early electronics used thermionic current to amplify signals before semiconductor devices became widespread.
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The strength of thermionic current depends on the temperature of the emitting electrode.
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The thermionic current was measured precisely.
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Can you explain what a thermionic current is?
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A vacuum tube relies on thermionic current between the cathode and anode to operate properly.
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Early electronics used thermionic current to amplify signals before semiconductor devices became widespread.
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The strength of thermionic current depends on the temperature of the emitting electrode.
Synonyms
41
3.7
A flow of electricity through a wire or circuit
8
3.0
A flow of electricity through a wire that carries energy
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is a straightforward composition of the adjective 'thermionic' (electron emission from heated, materials) and the noun 'current' (movement of electrons); the adjective simply specifies the type/cause of the current. There is no idiomatic or metaphorical shift, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings can infer the full MWE meaning.
Etymology
Thermionic current comes from a simple image: thermionic means heat makes a hot metal give off tiny particles called electrons, and current means those moving electrons make a flow between two metal parts. So, Thermionic current means 'an electric flow' caused by heating a metal part.