electrode

noun

elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd How to pronounce electrode (audio)
1
: a conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit
2
: an element in a semiconductor device (such as a transistor) that emits or collects electrons or holes or controls their movements

Examples of electrode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This, along with thicker diamond wafers and a new gold coating on the electrodes in the clock, helps to dampen down any unwanted micro-motions that would interfere with the readings. New Atlas, 18 July 2025 Instead, the pack is built from the electrodes directly. James Morris, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 Muscle Stimulation — Ayers and her fellow NASA flight engineer Anne McClain used electrodes to send electrical impulses into Ayers' legs as a possible countermeasure to muscle atrophy. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 11 July 2025 Thin wires connected the electrodes to a pulse generator discreetly inserted in her upper chest. IEEE Spectrum, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for electrode

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrode was in 1833

Cite this Entry

“Electrode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrode. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

electrode

noun
elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd How to pronounce electrode (audio)
: a conductor (as a metal or carbon) used to make electrical contact with a part of an electrical circuit that is not metallic

Medical Definition

electrode

noun
elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd How to pronounce electrode (audio)
: a conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit

More from Merriam-Webster on electrode

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