noun

cathode

Cathode (noun) means an electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows outwards (and thus, electrons flow inwards). It can have either a negative or a positive voltage with respect to anode of the same polarized device (depending on whether the device is a load or a source, respectively).

noun

An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows outwards (and thus, electrons flow inwards). It can have either a negative or a positive voltage with respect to anode of the same polarized device (depending on whether the device is a load or a source, respectively).

The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode.

The electrode from which electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube or gas-filled tube.

That electrode of a semiconductor device which is connected to the n-type material of a p-n junction.

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Etymology

From Ancient Greek κατα- (kata-, “down”) and ὁδός (hodós, “journey, way”), equivalent to Ancient Greek κάθοδος (káthodos, “way down, descent”). Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1834 for Michael Faraday, who introduced it later that year. By surface analysis, cath- (alternative form of cata-) + -ode.

Rhymes for cathode

ode rode code mode bode node lode abode erode Rhode Goode encode

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of cathode?

"cathode" (noun) means an electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows outwards (and thus, electrons flow inwards). It can have either a negative or a positive voltage with respect to anode of the same polarized device (depending on whether the device is a load or a source, respectively).

What are the different meanings of cathode?

"cathode" has 3 main meanings: 1. An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows outwards (and thus, electrons flow inwards). It can have either a negative or a positive voltage with respect to anode of the same polarized device (depending on whether the device is a load or a source, respectively); 2. The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode; 3. The electrode from which electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube or gas-filled tube.