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

In its standard state, the polymer chains in this material are convoluted and entangled, hindering the efficient movement of lithium ions between the cathode and anode. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2025

With an anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte, and other electrical elements, even fly-by-night battery makers can get the cells to work. —Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Nov. 2025

During charging, the lithium ions separate from the sulfide compounds, leave the cathode behind and travel back to the anode. —Golareh Jalilvand, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025

If the battery gets cold, the liquid highway between the anode and cathode thickens, slowing the ions down, according to the Scientific American. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 10 Nov. 2025

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