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cryotron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low
UK/ˈkrʌɪətrɒn/US/ˈkraɪəˌtrɑːn/

Technical/HISTORICAL

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Quick answer

What does “cryotron” mean?

A switch or relay device that operates at cryogenic temperatures, using the superconducting properties of certain metals.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A switch or relay device that operates at cryogenic temperatures, using the superconducting properties of certain metals.

Historically, an early computing component that controlled an electrical current by exploiting the property that superconductivity can be destroyed by a magnetic field.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences; term is identical in both technological lexicons.

Connotations

Connotes historical technology, early computing, and cryogenic engineering.

Frequency

Extremely rare in both dialects, used exclusively in historical or highly specialised technical contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “cryotron” in a Sentence

[The] cryotron + [verb: operated, functioned, controlled] + [at/near] + [cryogenic temperatures][The] cryotron + [was/were] + [used/employed] + [as/in] + [a switch, a memory element]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
superconducting cryotronthin-film cryotronDudley Buck cryotron
medium
cryotron switchcryotron devicecryotron memory
weak
early cryotronexperimental cryotroncryotron circuit

Examples

Examples of “cryotron” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adverb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adjective

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Never used.

Academic

Used only in historical papers on computing or applied superconductivity.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

Used only in highly specialised historical or engineering contexts discussing early cryogenic electronics.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “cryotron”

Strong

cryogenic relay

Neutral

superconducting switchcryogenic switch

Weak

early superconducting device

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “cryotron”

room-temperature switchsemiconductor transistor

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “cryotron”

  • Misspelling as 'criotron' or 'cryotran'.
  • Using it to refer to modern superconducting devices like SQUIDs or Josephson junctions.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a historical technology from the mid-20th century, superseded by semiconductor transistors.

It comes from the Greek 'kryos' meaning 'cold' or 'frost', referring to the cryogenic (extremely low) temperatures required for its operation.

The device was invented by Dudley Buck at MIT in the 1950s.

No, it is a specific historical term. Modern devices like Josephson junctions or SQUIDs are not called cryotrons.

A switch or relay device that operates at cryogenic temperatures, using the superconducting properties of certain metals.

Cryotron is usually technical/historical in register.

Cryotron: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrʌɪətrɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkraɪəˌtrɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “None”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'CRYO' (cold) + 'TRON' (electronic device) = a cold-operating electronic device.

Conceptual Metaphor

A GATEKEEPER IN THE COLD: Conceptualized as a gate or switch that only functions in extreme cold, controlling the flow of electricity.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The early was a switch that relied on superconductivity at low temperatures.
Multiple Choice

A cryotron is most closely associated with which field?

cryotron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore