cryotron

[ krahy-uh-tron ]

noun

, Electronics, Computers.

1. a cryogenic device that uses the principle that a varying magnetic field can cause the resistance of a superconducting element to change rapidly between its high normal and low superconductive values: used as a switch and as a computer-memory element.

cryotron

/ ˈkraɪəˌtrɒn /

noun

1. a miniature switch working at the temperature of liquid helium and depending for its action on the production and destruction of superconducting properties in the conductor

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryotron¹

First recorded in 1955–60; cryo- + -tron

Example Sentences

A cryotron unit has to be immersed at all times in a bath of liquid helium at a temperature of four-point-two degrees absolute.

From Project Gutenberg

A cryotron functions only at temperatures near absolute zero.

From Project Gutenberg

When she had gone he started to work on new instruction tapes for activating the servo-cryotron.

From Project Gutenberg