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thermionics

American  
[thurm-ahy-on-iks, thur-mee-] / ˌθɜrm aɪˈɒn ɪks, ˌθɜr mi- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  1. the branch of physics that deals with thermionic phenomena.


thermionics British  
/ ˌθɜːmɪˈɒnɪks /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) the branch of electronics concerned with the emission of electrons by hot bodies and with devices based on this effect, esp the study and design of thermionic valves

"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

Etymology

Origin of thermionics

First recorded in 1925–30; thermion, -ics