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

Early work is looking at copper electrodes for next-generation anode-free batteries. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Apr. 2026

However, Zheng argues that the remaining 5% of liquid is still necessary to ensure solid conductivity with the cathode and anode. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2026

In addition, dendrites can penetrate the separator and create an internal short circuit between the anode and cathode. —New Atlas, 13 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

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