diode

noun

di·​ode ˈdī-ˌōd 

: an electronic device that has two electrodes or terminals and is used especially as a rectifier

Examples of diode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

CurrentBody went all in on pure laser diodes, which penetrate the scalp more deeply and effectively than LEDs alone, according to a 2020 study. —Polly Blitzer, Allure, 6 Dec. 2025

Progress stayed slow until December 2022, when Linnander built a prototype consisting of just one pixel activated by a diode laser. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025

Nexperia is a critical supplier for the global auto industry, providing 40% of the automotive chips in the market segment that includes transistors and diodes, according to research firm TechInsights. —Ana Nicolaci Da Costa, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

And my blue diode is even wider at 80-100 microns. —New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

di- + -ode

Note: The term was originated by the British physicist William Henry Eccles (1875-1966) in the journal The Electrician, vol. 82, no.16 (April 18, 1919), p. 475.

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing diode

• light-emitting diode
• Xener diode
• zener diode

Rhymes for diode

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

Kids Definition

diode

noun

di·​ode ˈdī-ˌōd 

: an electronic device with two electrodes that is used especially for changing alternating current into direct current