cathode

noun cath·ode \ ˈka-ˌthōd \

Updated on: 14 Apr 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

See cathode defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of cathode from the Web

Finally, the researchers made their cathode out of molybdenum disulfide.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "New lithium-air battery survives hundreds of cycles," 22 Mar. 2018
The materials most commonly used for cathodes in EV batteries are a combination of nickel, manganese and cobalt known as NMC, and one of nickel, cobalt and aluminium known as NCA.

— The Economist, "What if China corners the cobalt market?," 22 Mar. 2018
This material forms a surface that's compatible with the product of the lithium-oxygen reaction, Li2O2, allowing it to form a thin film over the cathode.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "New lithium-air battery survives hundreds of cycles," 22 Mar. 2018
What is less well known is that four-fifths of the cobalt sulphates and oxides used to make the all-important cathodes for lithium-ion batteries are refined in China.

— The Economist, "What if China corners the cobalt market?," 22 Mar. 2018
Molten copper flows into rotating molds during the production of copper cathode sheets in the copper smelting shop at the Uralelectromed OJSC Copper Refinery, operated by Ural Mining and Metallurgical Co., in Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russia.

— amrith ramkumar, WSJ, "Strong Chinese Economic Data Boosts Copper," 14 Mar. 2018
Molten copper flows into rotating molds during the production of copper-cathode sheets in the copper-smelting shop at the Uralelectromed OJSC Copper Refinery, operated by Ural Mining and Metallurgical Co. in Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russia.

— amrith ramkumar, WSJ, "Copper Extends Slide on Demand Worries," 8 Mar. 2018
The most daring concept, lithium-air, reinvents the battery by getting rid of traditional metal for the cathode and replacing it with carbon that pulls oxygen atoms from the air instead of using oxides from the electrolyte.

— tom parrett, Newsweek, "Batteries That Will Save the Planet," 13 Dec. 2014
The movement of electrons from anode to cathode produces an electrical current.

— kathryn free, Popular Mechanics, "A Temporary Tattoo to Track Your Workout and Charge Your Phone," 13 Aug. 2014

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

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

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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

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

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cathode

medical Definition of cathode

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