cathode

noun

cath·​ode ˈka-ˌthōd How to pronounce cathode (audio)
1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs:
a
: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the positive terminal of a galvanic cell
2
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
broadly : the negative electrode of a diode compare anode
cathodal adjective
cathodally adverb
cathodic adjective
cathodically adverb

Examples of cathode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Fast lithium ion transfer is ensured by a fast ion conductor coating on the cathode, fast-charging graphite and novel nano-coating technologies for the anode, multi-gradient layered electrode design, and ultra-high conductivity electrolyte formulation. New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024 But outside of those two efforts, there's almost nothing happening on the cathode. Amy Feldman, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 To accomplish this, the team built an anode opposite the cathode and applied extremely high voltage. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2024 Chinese companies are even more dominant in battery components, such as cathodes, anodes, separators and electrolytes. Shawn Tully, Fortune Europe, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cathode 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cathode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek kathodos way down, from kata- + hodos way

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cathode was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near cathode

Cite this Entry

“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

cathode

noun
cath·​ode ˈkath-ˌōd How to pronounce cathode (audio)
1
: the negative electrode of an electrolytic cell compare anode sense 1
2
: the positive terminal of a battery
3
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
cathodic adjective

Medical Definition

cathode

noun
cath·​ode ˈkath-ˌōd How to pronounce cathode (audio)
1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs: as
a
: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the positive terminal of a storage battery that is delivering current
2
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube compare anode

More from Merriam-Webster on cathode

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