cryotron

[ krahy-uh-tron ]
/ ˈkraɪ əˌtrɒn /

noun Electronics, Computers.

a cryogenic device that uses the principle that a varying magnetic field can cause the resistance of a superconducting element to change rapidly between its high normal and low superconductive values: used as a switch and as a computer-memory element.

Origin of cryotron

First recorded in 1955–60; cryo- + -tron

Words nearby cryotron

cryostasis, cryostat, cryosurgery, cryotherapy, cryotolerant, cryotron, crypt, crypt abscesses, crypt of iris, crypt-, cryptaesthesia

Example sentences from the Web for cryotron

  • A cryotron unit has to be immersed at all times in a bath of liquid helium at a temperature of four-point-two degrees absolute.

    Unwise Child |Gordon Randall Garrett

  • A cryotron functions only at temperatures near absolute zero.

    Unwise Child |Gordon Randall Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for cryotron

cryotron
/ (ˈkraɪəˌtrɒn) /

noun

a miniature switch working at the temperature of liquid helium and depending for its action on the production and destruction of superconducting properties in the conductor