photocathode

noun

pho·​to·​cath·​ode ˌfō-tō-ˈka-ˌthōd How to pronounce photocathode (audio)
: a cathode that emits electrons when exposed to radiant energy and especially light

Examples of photocathode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Modern NVGs collect ambient and infrared light which is passed through a photocathode and turned into electrons. New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2024 While the part of the device that converted the photon to an electron is called a photocathode, this part that turns the volume up on the electron is known as the microchannel plate. Rob Verger, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'photocathode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photocathode was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near photocathode

Cite this Entry

“Photocathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photocathode. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

photocathode

noun
pho·​to·​cath·​ode -ˈkath-ˌōd How to pronounce photocathode (audio)
: a cathode (as in a photoelectric cell) that emits electrons when exposed to light or other radiation

More from Merriam-Webster on photocathode

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