diode

/ˌdaɪˈoʊd/

Other forms: diodes

Definitions of diode

1. noun

   a thermionic tube having two electrodes; used as a rectifier
   synonyms: rectifying tube, rectifying valve

   type of:

   electron tube, thermionic tube, thermionic vacuum tube, thermionic valve, tube, vacuum tube

   electronic device consisting of a system of electrodes arranged in an evacuated glass or metal envelope
2. noun

   a semiconductor that consists of a p-n junction
   synonyms: crystal rectifier, junction rectifier, semiconductor diode

   types:

   LED, light-emitting diode

   diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

   OLED, organic light-emitting diode

   a self-luminous diode (it glows when an electrical field is applied to the electrodes) that does not require backlighting or diffusers

   type of:

   semiconductor, semiconductor device, semiconductor unit

   a conductor made with semiconducting material