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 The protons and electrons take separate paths to a battery cathode, where electrons create the flow of electricity, with water vapor as the sole by-product. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Feb. 2024 The company also produces anodes and cathodes, critical battery components, at a facility in South Carolina. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Nov. 2023 Operating as the electrolyte in an all-solid-state cell configuration alongside a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and lithium metal anode, the new material has better energy density, power density, and cycle life compared with traditional liquid electrolytes. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Feb. 2024 Both of the anode and cathode sheets are black, but the cathode sheet is gloss, and the anode sheet is matte. Robin Warner, Ars Technica, 25 Jan. 2024 This battery’s cathode was a potpourri of three different lithium-containing materials. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Jan. 2024 China is currently responsible for nearly three-quarters of the world’s cathode production, 92% of anode production and 76% of lithium-ion battery cell production, Manchin wrote. Matthew Daly, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2023 Copper is used in electric wiring, and cobalt is used in the positive electrode, or cathode, of lithium-ion batteries, which power most mobile devices and many electric vehicles. Nicolas Niarchos, The New York Review of Books, 16 Nov. 2023 From their calculations, the team found that if the US’s friends provided all of their minerals, the 80 percent target would be achievable for nickel cobalt aluminum cathode batteries. Doug Johnson, Ars Technica, 9 Mar. 2023

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 19 Mar. 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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