cathode

noun cath·ode \ ˈka-ˌthōd \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Definition of cathode

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

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cathodal

play \ˈka-ˌthō-dᵊl\ adjective

—

cathodally

adverb

—

cathodic

play \ka-ˈthä-dik, -ˈthō-\ adjective

—

cathodically

play \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Recent Examples of cathode from the Web

At the cathode, catalysts split N2 molecules and prompt the hydrogen ions and electrons to react with nitrogen and make ammonia.

— robert f. service, Science | AAAS, "Ammonia—a renewable fuel made from sun, air, and water—could power the globe without carbon," 12 July 2018
The protons flow through an electrolyte and a proton-permeable membrane to the cathode, while the electrons make the journey through a wire.

— robert f. service, Science | AAAS, "Ammonia—a renewable fuel made from sun, air, and water—could power the globe without carbon," 12 July 2018
Essentially, a violent enough jolt can break the non-conductive wall that separates a battery's anode and cathode, which causes a big, nasty short inside the system.

— eric limer, Popular Mechanics, "This Flaming Robot Shows Just How Dangerous a Busted Battery Can Be," 7 July 2016
As cobalt has become pricier and scarcer, some battery makers have produced cobalt-lite cathodes by raising the nickel content—to as much as eight times the amount of cobalt.

— The Economist, "What if China corners the cobalt market?," 22 Mar. 2018
Because the biotattoo already contained the electron-sensing enzyme, the researchers just needed to add a cathode molecule.

— kathryn free, Popular Mechanics, "A Temporary Tattoo to Track Your Workout and Charge Your Phone," 13 Aug. 2014
Most handheld and portable electronics use lithium ion batteries, which are made up of an anode, a cathode, a separator, an electrolyte, a positive current, and a negative current.

— lauren goode, WIRED, "Batteries Still Suck, But Researchers Are Working on It," 22 May 2018
After cooling, Chen’s team takes the regenerated particles and makes new cathodes.

— rob nikolewski, sandiegouniontribune.com, "UCSD professor devises way to recycle lithium-ion batteries," 16 Mar. 2018
The plant’s annual capacity would be about 280,000 metric tons of copper cathode, according to a document on the website of state miner Enami.

— Bloomberg.com, "Copper Rookie Looks to Glencore and Chinese for Downstream Dream," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cathode.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cathode

Greek kathodos way down, from kata- + hodos way

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1834

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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CATHODE Defined for English Language Learners

cathode

noun

Definition of cathode for English Language Learners

: the part of an electrical device (such as a battery) where electrons enter

Medical Dictionary

cathode

noun cath·ode \ ˈkath-ˌōd \

medical Definition of cathode

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

Learn More about cathode

Spanish Central: Translation of cathode Nglish: Translation of cathode for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cathode

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cathode

Definition of cathode

cathodal

cathodally

cathodic

cathodically

Recent Examples of cathode from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cathode

CATHODE Defined for English Language Learners

cathode

Definition of cathode for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

cathode

medical Definition of cathode

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cathode

Definition of cathode

cathodal

cathodally

cathodic

cathodically

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Origin and Etymology of cathode

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cathode

Definition of cathode for English Language Learners

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cathode

medical Definition of cathode

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