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
Finally the tear electrolytes come into contact with both an anode and the platinum cathode, creating more energy through further oxidation on the surface of the anode and oxygen reduction on the surface of the cathode.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2024
In simple terms: the cathode is separated out from the battery cell, regenerated in a chemical process and then placed back in a cell.
—Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024
The technology is tantalizing, but it's troubled by the formation of dendrites—spikes of lithium crystals that can grow and puncture the cathode.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 19 Sep. 2023
Once operational, the smelter will annually produce up to 222,000 tonnes of copper cathode, 830,000 tonnes of sulfuric acid, 18 tonnes of gold bars, 55 tonnes of silver bars, and 70 tonnes of selenium.
—Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Sodium and gold also have applications in energy—with sodium rechargeable batteries finding use today in stationary energy storage, while nanoporous gold acts like a catalyst and serves as the battery’s cathode.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Mar. 2024
The protons and electrons take separate paths to a battery cathode, where electrons create the flow of electricity, with water vapor as the sole by-product.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Feb. 2024
The company also produces anodes and cathodes, critical battery components, at a facility in South Carolina.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Nov. 2023
Operating as the electrolyte in an all-solid-state cell configuration alongside a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and lithium metal anode, the new material has better energy density, power density, and cycle life compared with traditional liquid electrolytes.
—IEEE Spectrum, 15 Feb. 2024
IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2024
In simple terms: the cathode is separated out from the battery cell, regenerated in a chemical process and then placed back in a cell.
—Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024
The technology is tantalizing, but it's troubled by the formation of dendrites—spikes of lithium crystals that can grow and puncture the cathode.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 19 Sep. 2023
Once operational, the smelter will annually produce up to 222,000 tonnes of copper cathode, 830,000 tonnes of sulfuric acid, 18 tonnes of gold bars, 55 tonnes of silver bars, and 70 tonnes of selenium.
—Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Sodium and gold also have applications in energy—with sodium rechargeable batteries finding use today in stationary energy storage, while nanoporous gold acts like a catalyst and serves as the battery’s cathode.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Mar. 2024
The protons and electrons take separate paths to a battery cathode, where electrons create the flow of electricity, with water vapor as the sole by-product.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Feb. 2024
The company also produces anodes and cathodes, critical battery components, at a facility in South Carolina.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Nov. 2023
Operating as the electrolyte in an all-solid-state cell configuration alongside a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and lithium metal anode, the new material has better energy density, power density, and cycle life compared with traditional liquid electrolytes.
—IEEE Spectrum, 15 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cathode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cathode
Cite this Entry
“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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
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