varactor

[ vuh-rak-ter ]

noun

1. a semiconductor diode whose capacitance changes to match applied voltage, used to tune circuits by varying the reactance.

varactor

/ ˈvɛəˌræktə /

noun

1. See varistor
   a semiconductor diode that acts as a voltage-dependent capacitor, being operated with a reverse bias Compare varistor

Word History and Origins

Origin of varactor¹

1955–60; var(iable re)actor

Word History and Origins

Origin of varactor¹

C20: probably a blend of variable reactor