cathode

noun

cath·​ode ˈka-ˌthōd 

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

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

In AnSiLiS, scientists are creating a sulfur-carbon composite cathode paired with a thin lithium-metal anode and a hybrid electrolyte. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025

There’s even a growing market for clunky-but-charming mini cathode-ray-style TVs — and boomboxes with streaming capability. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025

The company used Prussian Blue, a pigment found in paints and dyes, to make both the cathode and anode for its three battery systems. —IEEE Spectrum, 6 Oct. 2025

Another issue is the midstream part of the battery supply chain, consisting of the development of batteries' anode and cathode components. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek kathodos way down, from kata- + hodos way

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cathode

• cathode ray
• cathode-ray tube

Rhymes for cathode

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad
• decode

Kids 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

cathodic

ka-ˈthäd-ik 

adjective

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