Main Entry: cath·ode

Pronunciation: \ˈka-ˌthōd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Greek kathodos way down, from kata- + hodos way

Date: 1834

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

— cath·od·al \ˈka-ˌthō-d^əl\ adjective

— cath·od·al·ly adverb

— ca·thod·ic \ka-ˈthä-dik, -ˈthō-\ adjective

— ca·thod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb