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
Their share of total cathode output consistently exceeded 70% through late 2025 and into the new year, marking a structural shift in manufacturing priorities.
—
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
That potential energy remains stored as tension until the circuit closes, and the electrons can flow through that circuit from the anode back to the cathode toward a lower-energy state.
—Chelsea Haney
april 10, New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026
Those children dreamed of someday going to space, of living the experiences instead of just watching them on grainy cathode-ray television sets.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
However, Zheng argues that the remaining 5% of liquid is still necessary to ensure solid conductivity with the cathode and anode.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cathode
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
That potential energy remains stored as tension until the circuit closes, and the electrons can flow through that circuit from the anode back to the cathode toward a lower-energy state.
—Chelsea Haney
april 10, New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026
Those children dreamed of someday going to space, of living the experiences instead of just watching them on grainy cathode-ray television sets.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
However, Zheng argues that the remaining 5% of liquid is still necessary to ensure solid conductivity with the cathode and anode.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cathode
Cite this Entry
“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
