electrode

noun

elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd 

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

This process relies on harmful solvents and becomes less effective as electrodes get thicker. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026

By heating lignin to very high temperatures, it is transformed into what scientists call hard carbon, which is then used to make the battery’s negative electrode, or anode. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026

Here, argon-gas electrodes create a gentle current at up to 60 Hz, which helps to reduce the look of active pimples, calm visible redness, and even address the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

Those tests involve placing small electrodes on the scalp to record electrical activity in the brain. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing electrode

• inter-electrode

Rhymes for electrode

• interelectrode

Kids Definition

electrode

noun

elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd 

: 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 

: a conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit