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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The facility will make batteries, cathodes, and anodes. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Then, after these ores are mined, they are processed into components used in the batteries – cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes. Steve Banker, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 As the battery discharges, sulfur at the cathode side reacts with the lithium, creating lithium polysulfides which diffuse through the electrolyte to the anode leaving deposits. New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024 To get the full $7,500 credit, the autos must contain batteries with components (cathodes, anodes, electrolytes) manufactured and assembled in the US, and critical minerals (lithium, graphite, and cobalt) mined and processed by the US or close trading allies. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cathode 

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 21 Dec. 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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