Why are transistors called "Q"?

[Jim Beacon]

> Q is a measurement of Ham Radio antennae -- altho just perzactly what it's
> supposed to measure I'm not 100% sure. (I'm sure I could google for it...)

Q is the "qaulity" factor of a tuned circuit, and is applied to tuned
circuits, capacitors and inductors, and is the relationship between
reactance and resistance. In a tuned circuit, it can also be expressed as a
function of the bandwidth of the circuit at a given frequency.
>
> I do know that I have a Heathkit "Q" measuring device in my basement...

I have a unit made by Marconi Instruments, but it is a designers tool rather
than a repair tool, so it gets little use.