anode

[ an-ohd ]

noun

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

anode

/ əˈnɒdɪk; ˈænəʊd; eɪˈnəʊdəl /

noun

1. the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell
2. Also called (esp US)plate the positively charged electrode in an electronic valve
3. the negative terminal of a primary cell Compare cathode

anode

/ ăn′ōd′ /

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

Derived Forms

• anodal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anode¹

1825–35; < Greek ánodos way up, equivalent to an- an- ³ + hodós way, road

Word History and Origins

Origin of anode¹

C19: from Greek anodos a way up, from hodos a way; alluding to the movement of the current to or from the positive pole

Example Sentences

Lithium metal anodes can store more energy in a smaller space and, unlike graphite or silicon, can directly participate in electrochemical reactions as electrodes.

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

For weeks, workers have been hunched underneath the battleship welding waterproof caps and replacing anodes as others perch on equipment high overhead, pressure-washing and painting the hull.

From Seattle Times

There is an active later, which captures energy of a certain wavelength from sunlight, and uses this energy to separate electrons and "electron holes" into a cathode and anode.

From Science Daily

Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries are a type of rechargeable battery consisting of a solid electrolyte, an anode made of lithium metal and a cathode made of sulfur.

From Science Daily