cathode

noun

cath·​ode ˈka-ˌthōd 

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

ˈka-ˌthō-dᵊl 

adjective

cathodally adverb

cathodic

ka-ˈthä-dik  -ˈthō- 

adjective

cathodically

ka-ˈthä-di-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈthō-

adverb

Examples of cathode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In response, Rudolph lets his directorial vision loose here, a giddy cinematic id that displays more imagination and more daring in every cathode tube and every street sign, every growl and every rant, than most Hollywood movies have in their whole run time. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2025

These batteries are different from traditional lithium-ion batteries: while li-ion batteries employ either NMC (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) or LCO (lithium cobalt oxide) as the cathode material, LFP batteries utilize lithium iron phosphate. —New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2025

There is little specifically about electronics in the lectures, aside from passing mentions, such as a reference to cathode followers. —IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2025

Those steps include investing more than $1 billion in companies making graphite and lithium, as well as deals with South Korea’s LG Chem to produce cathodes for it in Tennessee. —Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek kathodos way down, from kata- + hodos way

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cathode

• cathode ray
• cathode-ray tube

Kids Definition

cathode

noun

cath·​ode ˈkath-ˌōd 

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

ka-ˈthäd-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

cathode

noun

cath·​ode ˈkath-ˌōd 

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