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

Moreover, the power relay and a diode are integrated to manage power flow and protect the system. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025

Under development since the 1950s, betavoltaic batteries feature a radioactive emitter and a silicon-diode absorber. —IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2025

Even the obviously tangible Irakli can, through a glitch in the camera’s rustic diodes, all but vanish into the fuzz of a forest or a field. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025

The light is too harshly angled and full of diodes, too precise, too careful and still somehow not careful enough, not surreal, sepia and tender enough. —Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 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
• 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