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

No need to Scotch-tape electrodes to your brain: The age of DIY human enhancement is over. —Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2025

Hodgkin and Huxley used fine electrodes to look for voltage differences across axons, and within a few weeks had exciting preliminary results—but then Hitler invaded Poland. —Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

The sensor features an ECG electrode and a PPG sensor and can conduct real-time blood-oxygen level readings. —Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Researchers used liquid electrodes rather than solid ones to successfully power an LED light in its relaxed state as well as when it was being twisted and stretched. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025

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