vacuum tube

noun

: an electron tube evacuated to a high degree of vacuum

Examples of vacuum tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vacuum also has two wheels underneath it, which helps move it around since the vacuum tube is bigger than the blower tube. Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024 Like moving from a vacuum tube to a microchip, the technology promises to perform the same task as traditional vaccines, but exponentially faster, and for a fraction of the cost. Stephen Buranyi, WIRED, 2 Oct. 2023 The cathode rays Crookes observed in his vacuum tubes were as evanescent as any ghost. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 There were vacuum tubes to store data in the 1960s. Thangaraj Petchiappan, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vacuum tube 

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vacuum tube was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near vacuum tube

Cite this Entry

“Vacuum tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vacuum%20tube. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

vacuum tube

noun
: an electron tube from which most of the air has been removed

Medical Definition

vacuum tube

noun
: an electronic device in which conduction by electrons takes place through a vacuum within a sealed glass or metal container and which has various uses based on the controlled flow of electrons

More from Merriam-Webster on vacuum tube

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!