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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for cathode
The first known use of cathode was in 1834
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