electrode

[ ih-lek-trohd ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. a conductor, not necessarily metallic, through which a current enters or leaves a nonmetallic medium, as an electrolytic cell, arc generator, vacuum tube, or gaseous discharge tube.

electrode

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊd /

noun

1. a conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte, an electric arc, or an electronic valve or tube
2. an element in a semiconducting device that emits, collects, or controls the movement of electrons or holes

electrode

/ ĭ-lĕk′trōd′ /

1. A conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves a substance (or a vacuum) whose electrical characteristics are being measured, used, or manipulated. Electrodes can be used to detect electrical activity such as brain waves. Terminal points in electrical components such as transistors, diodes, and batteries are electrodes.

Other Words From

• inter·e·lectrode noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrode¹

First recorded in 1825–35; electr- + -ode ²

Example Sentences

The tiny electrodes were only 17 microns apart -- less than half the width of a human hair -- and the smallest movement of the brain slices could skew their results.

From Science Daily

In a conventional electrolyser, bubbles in the water can be clingy and stick to the electrodes, clogging up the process and leading to energy loss.

From BBC

When charging a battery, charged ions are inserted into one of the battery's electrodes.

From Science Daily

With software developed by Horn's team, the researchers pinpointed the precise location of DBS electrodes in each patient and created a common map of the circuits associated with patients' symptom improvement.

From Science Daily

A study from earlier this year unveiled advances in technology that uses implanted brain electrodes to recreate the speaking voice of someone who has lost speech ability, which can be an outcome from stroke.

From Science Daily