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magnetron

American

[mag-ni-tron] / ˈmæg nɪˌtrɒn /

noun

Electronics.

a two-element vacuum tube in which the flow of electrons is under the influence of an external magnetic field, used to generate extremely short radio waves.

magnetron British

/ ˈmæɡnɪˌtrɒn /

noun

an electronic valve with two coaxial electrodes used with an applied magnetic field to generate high-power microwave oscillations, esp for use in radar

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

magnetron Scientific

/ măg′nĭ-trŏn′ /

An electron tube that produces coherent microwave radiation. Magnetrons are diodes in which the electrons traveling to the anode are set in spiraling paths by a magnetic field created by permanent magnets. The circular component of the electrons' motion causes microwave-frequency oscillations in the voltage induced in resonating cavities built into the anode, which is connected to an antenna that emits the microwaves. Magnetrons are used in radar and in microwave ovens.

Etymology

Origin of magnetron

First recorded in 1920–25; magne(to)- + -tron

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

magnetron

The researchers used magnetron sputtering to create a platinum atom "rain" on the swarf's surface.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 16, 2024

Using magnetron sputtering, they deposited atomic copper in a solventless process, allowing intimate contact between the semiconductor and metal atoms.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 25, 2024

Dr. Ashkin worked at a Columbia University laboratory during World War II, developing a magnetron — a vacuum tube that generates microwaves — as part of an Army radar program.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 28, 2020

Dehmelt's experiments with a magnetron in 1959 showed that swarms of electrons could be trapped for many seconds and he confirmed the predicted electron dynamics.

From Nature ● May 16, 2017

The British had sent Cockcroft to the United States to solicit engineering help to turn the magnetron into a serviceable radar apparatus.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023