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
cathodally
adverb
Examples of cathode in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
High capacity The research team, primarily based in China, set out to limit the complexity of cathodes.
—
ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
When put to use in a test setup, the material had a similar energy density to iron phosphate cathodes, which are noted more for their durability than energy density.
—ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
The nickel cobalt manganese aluminum oxide cathode for the lithium-ion battery adds aluminum to the standard nickel cobalt manganese cathode found in many advanced battery designs.
—New Atlas, 25 June 2025
Heat generated from a fire, thermal runaway of an adjacent cell, or shorting of the battery can melt the porous membrane between the battery’s cathode and anode, causing this cell to go into thermal runaway.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cathode
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ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
When put to use in a test setup, the material had a similar energy density to iron phosphate cathodes, which are noted more for their durability than energy density.
—ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
The nickel cobalt manganese aluminum oxide cathode for the lithium-ion battery adds aluminum to the standard nickel cobalt manganese cathode found in many advanced battery designs.
—New Atlas, 25 June 2025
Heat generated from a fire, thermal runaway of an adjacent cell, or shorting of the battery can melt the porous membrane between the battery’s cathode and anode, causing this cell to go into thermal runaway.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cathode
Cite this Entry
“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cathode
noun
cath·ode
ˈkath-ˌōd 
1
: the negative electrode of an electrolytic cell compare anode sense 1
2
: the positive terminal of a battery
3
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
Medical Definition
cathode
noun
cath·ode
ˈkath-ˌōd
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
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