reference electrode

noun

, Physical Chemistry.

1. an electrode of known oxidation potential used in determining the electromotive force of a galvanic cell.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reference electrode¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The quartz cell with 1 mm optical path length was equipped with a platinum mesh working electrode and with the same reference electrode used for voltammetry.

From Nature

The new UC sensor uses a technology called anodic stripping voltammetry that incorporates three electrodes: a working electrode, a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode.

From US News