a three terminal electronic component that conducts current in either direction when triggered

TRIAC (triode for alternating current) is a generic trademark for a three terminal electronic component that conducts current in either direction when triggered.

for triode for alternating current

Thyristor also called SCR stands for silicon controlled rectifier while TRIAC stands for triode for alternating current.

a semiconductor device widely used in power control and switching applications

TRIAC (Triode for AC) is a semiconductor device widely used in power control and switching applications.

a three terminal semiconductor device for controlling current

A TRIAC is a three terminal semiconductor device for controlling current.

a subset of thyristors

TRIACs are a subset of thyristors and are related to silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs).

a subset of thyristors (analogous to a relay in that a small voltage and current can control a much larger voltage and current) and are related to silicon controlled rectifiers () SCRs

TRIACs are a subset of thyristors (analogous to a relay in that a small voltage and current can control a much larger voltage and current) and are related to silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs).

bidirectional thyristor with three terminals device

A TRIAC is thus bidirectional thyristor with three terminals device.