anode

noun

an·​ode ˈa-ˌnōd How to pronounce anode (audio)
1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs: such as
a
: the positive terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the negative terminal of a galvanic cell
2
: the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube
broadly : the positive electrode of a diode compare cathode
anodic adjective
or less commonly anodal
anodically adverb
or less commonly anodally

Examples of anode 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.
To tackle this, a team of material chemists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a more sustainable electrolyte – the compound that facilitates the movement of lithium ions between a battery's cathode and anode. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025 However, they have been plagued by the formation of dendrites—sharp, tree-like lithium crystals that grow on the anode during charging. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 Realme’s 15,000mAh cell consists of a 100% silicon-carbon anode, which is nowhere near mass production right now. Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 The decay of the radioisotope produces high-energy beta particles that ionize the electrolyte, creating a potential difference between the anode and cathode immersed in the solution and driving electron flow through an external circuit to produce electricity. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anode

Word History

Etymology

Greek anodos way up, from ana- + hodos way

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anode was in 1834

Cite this Entry

“Anode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anode. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

anode

noun
an·​ode ˈan-ˌōd How to pronounce anode (audio)
1
: the positive electrode of an electrolytic cell to which the negative ions are attracted compare cathode
2
: the negative terminal of a battery that is delivering electric current
3
: the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube
anodic adjective

Medical Definition

anode

noun
an·​ode ˈan-ˌōd How to pronounce anode (audio)
1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs: as
a
: the positive terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the negative terminal of a storage battery that is delivering current
2
: the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube compare cathode

More from Merriam-Webster on anode

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