Definition

A type of electronic device that controls the flow of electricity, consisting of five electrodes, and is used in audio and radio equipment.

Example

The engineer replaced the old tube with a new pentode to improve the sound quality of the amplifier.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a pentode?

Yeah, I think it's a type of vacuum tube used in audio equipment.

Exactly! I read that it has a suppressor grid for better performance.

That makes sense; I bet it really enhances the sound quality.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pentode → It is formed from "penta-" (from Greek "pente", meaning five) and "ode" (from Greek "hodos", meaning way or path). The word "pentode" refers to a device that has five active electrodes, thus relating to the concept of five paths or ways for electrical flow.

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'penta-' meaning five, and picture a device with five paths for electricity to flow through, which is what a pentode is.

Visually Confused Words