Electronics

Definition

Electronics refers to the branch of physics and technology concerned with the design, development, and application of devices and systems involving the flow of electrons through conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. It encompasses devices such as transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits that control the flow of electrical signals.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (plural, treated as singular)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɑnɪks/
• Respelling: ih-lek-TRON-iks

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɒnɪks/
• Respelling: ih-lek-TRON-iks

The pronunciation of "electronics" differs slightly between American and British English, primarily in the vowel sounds.

Etymology

The term "electronics" is derived from the word "electron," which comes from the Greek word "ēlektron," meaning "amber," as amber was historically associated with static electricity. The field of electronics developed in the early 20th century, with the invention of the vacuum tube and the subsequent advancements in solid-state devices like transistors.

Derivatives

• Electronic (adjective)
• Electronics engineer (noun)
• Electronics industry (noun)
• Electrify (verb, related)
• Electrification (noun, related)

Synonyms

• Electrical engineering
• Microelectronics
• Circuitry

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "electronics" is widely used in technology, science, and engineering to refer to devices, systems, and processes that involve electrical components and the manipulation of electric currents. It covers a broad range of applications, including consumer electronics like smartphones, industrial machinery, medical devices, and military technologies.

Related Terms

• Semiconductor: A material used in electronics that has a conductivity between a conductor and an insulator.
• Transistor: A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.
• Integrated circuit: A set of electronic circuits on a small chip of semiconductor material.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The branch of science and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components: Refers to the study, development, and application of devices like diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.
  • Example: "He is studying electronics at the university to become an engineer."
• Electronic devices or equipment: Refers to any equipment or devices that rely on the control and flow of electrons through electrical circuits.
  • Example: "Modern electronics have revolutionized communication and computing."