cathode

play

noun cath·ode \ ˈka-ˌthōd \

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

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cathodally

adverb

—

cathodic

play \ka-ˈthä-dik, -ˈthō-\ adjective

—

cathodically

play \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See cathode defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of cathode from the Web

Perhaps most importantly, when paired with a vanadium oxide cathode, the energy density was just over 500 Watt-hours per kilogram.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Lithium/graphene “foil” makes for a great battery electrode," 12 July 2017
The screen and speaker wrapped in a chunky trapezoid of plastic have more in common with the cathode-ray TVs your parents grew up with than any gadget from this decade.

— david pierce, WIRED, "Review: Amazon Echo Show," 26 June 2017
Those electrodes circle back to the cathode, giving energy to a circuit which starts the process over again.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "This Drone Battery for Submarines Drinks Seawater," 19 June 2017
The Prieto battery still relies on the main concept of a battery — the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) sides of the battery swap electrons to produce energy.

— tamara chuang, The Denver Post, "Your smartphone battery is going to get way better if Prieto can turn its 3-D battery into a commercial reality," 18 June 2017
Sheets with the cathodes and anodes are rolled with seperaters into canisters that resemble metal hair spray bottles.

— meredith cohn, baltimoresun.com, "Little known Cockeysville plant produces powerful batteries for satellites, military and race cars," 15 June 2017
Consumers have found that no-cost options for dumping electronics, such as computer monitors and TVs with cathode ray tubes have dwindled as a result.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Orland Park recycling event to benefit veterans," 6 June 2017
Electricity is generated by the exchange of ions between the cathode and anode.

— ken wells, WSJ, "The Race to Build a Better Battery for Storing Power," 21 May 2017
Its Mentor factory will make anodes and cathodes for the electrochemical industry.

— grant segall, cleveland.com, "Heilind and De Nora plan big adjacent facilities in Mentor (photos)," 15 May 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1834

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CATHODE Defined for English Language Learners

cathode

play

noun

Definition of cathode for English Language Learners

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

Medical Dictionary

cathode

play

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

Learn More about cathode

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cathode

Definition of cathode

cathodal

cathodally

cathodic

cathodically

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medical Definition of cathode

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