pentode

American  

[pen-tohd] / ˈpɛn toʊd /

noun

Electronics.

1. a vacuum tube having five electrodes, usually a plate, three grids, and a cathode, within the same envelope.

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pentode British  

/ ˈpɛntəʊd /

noun

1. an electronic valve having five electrodes: a cathode, anode, and three grids

2. (modifier) (of a transistor) having three terminals at the base or gate

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pentode Scientific  

/ pĕn′tōd′ /

1. Any electron tube with the basic structure and functionality of a triode, but including two extra electrodes, a screen and a suppressor grid. The screen helps the tube respond well at high frequencies (as in a tetrode), while a negatively charged suppressor grid adjacent to the plate prevents secondary emission of electrons from the plate, increasing the efficiency of the tube.

2. See more at suppressor

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Etymology

Origin of pentode

1915–20; pent- ( def. ) + -ode ²

Compare meaning

How does pentode compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• pentode vs. triode

Example Sentences

Remember how he went to all the trouble of building a pentode vacuum tube for a job that could have been done by transistors.

From Project Gutenberg

Remember how he went to all the trouble of building a pentode vacuum tube for a job that could have been done by transistors he already had had a chance to get and didn't.

From Project Gutenberg

In the final amplifier stage Harry used a Telefunken pentode, the famous and very efficient RL12P35 which was used in the German tank transmitters in all stages, oscillator, P.A. and audio amplifier/suppressor grid modulator.

From Project Gutenberg

My first transmitter was just an electron coupled oscillator using a type 59 output pentode from a radio.

From Project Gutenberg