varactor

American  

[vuh-rak-ter] / vəˈræk tər /

noun

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

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varactor British  

/ ˈvɛəˌræktə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of varactor

1955–60; var(iable re)actor

Example Sentences

Last year Atchley heard that Bell Laboratories had developed a type of semiconductor called the varactor, which amplifies microwave frequency signals and does it with exceptionally low background noise.

From Time Magazine Archive

Atchley wooed one of the key developers of the varactor.

From Time Magazine Archive

The varactor has accomplished some of the most advanced feats in space-age communications, and scientists are working toward using it as an oscillator that could speed up computers 1,000 times.

From Time Magazine Archive