anode

noun

an·​ode ˈa-ˌnōd 

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

a-ˈnä-dik 

adjective

or less commonly anodal

a-ˈnō-dᵊl 

anodically

a-ˈnō-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

or less commonly anodally

a-ˈnō-dᵊl-ē 

Examples of anode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The company’s design removes the conventional anode and uses a solid electrolyte instead. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026

Charging in the cold can also be risky for lithium-ion batteries because the ions cannot enter the anode fast enough, leading them to plate onto the surface. —You Xiaoying, Scientific American, 3 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the cell, the sulfate—a negative ion—moves towards the anode, where water is being split to produce protons and oxygen gas. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2026

In addition to its annual flushing, Chism recommends having a pro inspect the tank’s anode rods. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek anodos way up, from ana- + hodos way

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anode

• abode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad
• decode

Kids Definition

anode

noun

an·​ode ˈan-ˌōd 

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

a-ˈnäd-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

anode

noun

an·​ode ˈan-ˌōd 

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