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.
Redwood Materials then remanufactures those materials into cathodes, according to its website. Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 22 July 2025 The separator is the membrane between the anode and cathode, which allows lithium ions to pass through but prevents a short circuit. James Morris, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 High capacity The research team, primarily based in China, set out to limit the complexity of cathodes. ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025 When put to use in a test setup, the material had a similar energy density to iron phosphate cathodes, which are noted more for their durability than energy density. ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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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