cathode ray

noun

1. a flow of electrons emanating from a cathode in a vacuum tube and focused into a narrow beam.

cathode ray

1. A beam of electrons streaming from the negatively charged end of a vacuum tube (the cathode) toward a positively charged plate (the anode).

Word History and Origins

Origin of cathode ray¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The ’90s may have been a simpler time technologically, a fact underscored by the cathode ray tube television sets and first-generation Apple Macintosh computers that populate the photos.

From New York Times

Near this installation hang a set of fuzzy, multicolor abstract photographs, the “Static” series from 2009, which depict the insides of cathode ray tubes.

From New York Times

“It’ll come sooner,” he said, standing between the computers controlling the sluice gates and an old cathode ray tube TV set.

From Washington Post

The 47-year-old operated Recylcetronics, a business that crushed and recycled cathode ray tubes, the glass video displays commonly found in televisions and computer monitors.

From Washington Times

It is hard to imagine, but "going on the internet" was once a punchline, an obscure hobby that required sitting down in front of a 14-inch thick cathode ray tube and listening to modem sounds.

From Salon