cathode

noun

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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

Other Words from cathode Example Sentences Learn More about cathode

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Other Words from cathode

cathodal \ ˈka-ˌthō-dᵊl

\ adjective

cathodally adverb

cathodic \ ka-ˈthä-dik

, -ˈthō-

\ adjective

cathodically \ ka-ˈthä-di-k(ə-)lē

, -ˈthō- \ adverb

Examples of cathode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When powered up, brine flowed through the device, splitting into pure oxygen gas captured on the anode side and pure hydrogen gas on the cathode side. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "Mars’ underground brine could be a good source of oxygen," 30 Nov. 2020 Einstein’s theories give us all kinds of new physics and new technologies like GPS, nuclear power, and even those old cathode-ray televisions. — Eoin O'carroll, The Christian Science Monitor, "Is the future real? The philosopher’s guide to time travel.," 15 Mar. 2021 That’s because of the nature of the chemical reactions happening at the anode and cathode. — David Nield, Popular Science, "Battery charging tips to keep your devices healthy," 26 Feb. 2021 In addition, China dominates in the spheres of battery anode and cathode production as well as in the production of battery cells. — Steve H. Hanke, National Review, "China Rattles Its Rare-Earth-Minerals Saber, Again," 25 Feb. 2021 The hydroxide ions react with CO2 at the cathode, forming carbonate, which precipitates out of solution as a solid. — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "Chemists close in on greener way to make plastics," 24 Feb. 2021 Researchers for decades have been trying to figure out how to create a lithium-ion battery that isn’t prone to dendrites, which form between the cathode and anode of the battery. — Scott Patterson, WSJ, "The Leaders in the Race to Build a Better EV Battery," 15 Jan. 2021 When the battery discharges during use, all of the lithium flows from the anode to the cathode. — Daniel Oberhaus, Wired, "Did QuantumScape Just Solve a 40-Year-Old Battery Problem?," 8 Dec. 2020 For example, in a cylindrical battery, the cathode and anode are wound tightly around one another. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "How Tesla plans to make batteries cheap enough for a $25,000 car," 23 Sep. 2020

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.