noun

megatron

MEHG-uh-tron

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Megatron (noun) means a type of sealed electronic tube once used to generate signals for lighthouses and submersibles. Example: “The old lighthouse still used a megatron to power its warning beam.”

noun

A type of sealed electronic tube once used to generate signals for lighthouses and submersibles.

"The old lighthouse still used a megatron to power its warning beam."

How to use megatron

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA specialised vacuum tube from early electronics, mostly known today because it shares a name with a famous cartoon villain.

Common mistake

Almost everyone who hears this word today thinks of the Transformers character rather than the obscure electronic component.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: megatrons

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old lighthouse still used a _____ to power its warning beam.

Etymology

An old technical term for the tube, unrelated to the fictional robot villain of the same name from the Transformers franchise, which was coined separately.

Rhymes for megatron

patron matron Metatron

See all rhymes for megatron →

Frequently asked questions

What does “megatron” mean?

The word “megatron” means a type of sealed electronic tube once used to generate signals for lighthouses and submersibles. In plain terms, a specialised vacuum tube from early electronics, mostly known today because it shares a name with a famous cartoon villain.

How do you pronounce “megatron”?

“Megatron” is pronounced MEHG-uh-tron (/ˈmɛɡ.əˌtɹɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “megatron” in a sentence?

Here is “megatron” used in a sentence: “The old lighthouse still used a megatron to power its warning beam.”

What part of speech is “megatron”?

“Megatron” is a noun.