cathode

[ kath-ohd ]

noun

1. the electrode or terminal by which current leaves an electrolytic cell, voltaic cell, battery, etc.
2. the positive terminal of a voltaic cell or battery.
3. the negative terminal, electrode, or element of an electron tube or electrolytic cell.

cathode

/ kæˈθɒdɪk; -ˈθəʊ-; ˈkæθəʊd; kæˈθəʊdəl /

noun

1. the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell; the electrode by which electrons enter a device from an external circuit
2. the negatively charged electron source in an electronic valve
3. the positive terminal of a primary cell

cathode

/ kăth′ōd′ /

1. The negative electrode in an electrolytic cell, toward which positively charged particles are attracted. The cathode has a negative charge because it is connected to the negatively charged end of an external power supply.
2. The source of electrons in an electrical device, such as a vacuum tube or diode.
3. The positive electrode of a voltaic cell, such as a battery. The cathode gets its positive charge from the chemical reaction that happens inside the battery, not from an external source.
4. Compare anode

Derived Forms

• cathodal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cathode¹

1825–35; < Greek káthodos a way down, equivalent to kat- cat- ( def ) + hodós way

Word History and Origins

Origin of cathode¹

C19: from Greek kathodos a descent, from kata- down + hodos way

Example Sentences

Lithium-ion batteries are set to become even more powerful with new materials for the cathodes.

From Science Daily

Additionally, when lithium grows in one direction, it can reach the cathode on the opposite side, causing an internal short circuit.

From Science Daily

A battery consists of two electrodes -- the anode and cathode, typically made of different materials -- as well as a separator and electrolyte, a chemical medium that allows for the flow of electrical charge.

From Science Daily

However, cathode materials of this type have a problem.

From Science Daily

“We made an offer, is it possible to build an EV battery factory, precursor to cathodes, here. And he said he will consider it,” Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, told reporters.

From Seattle Times