noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

electrode

uh-LEHK-trohd

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Electrode (noun) means a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves a device, battery, or circuit. Example: “The technician attached electrodes to monitor the patient's heartbeat.”

noun

A conductor through which electricity enters or leaves a device, battery, or circuit.

"The technician attached electrodes to monitor the patient's heartbeat."

"The battery has a positive and a negative electrode."

How to use electrode

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA contact point where electricity flows into or out of a device or circuit.

Common pairings

attach an electrode positive electrode negative electrode

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: electrodes

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The technician attached _____ to monitor the patient's heartbeat.

Etymology

Coined by scientist Michael Faraday in 1833, combining Greek ēlektron ("amber," the root of "electricity") with hodos, "way" or "path."

Origin: Greek · First attested 1833

Class of 1833 electrode joined the language around 1833.

polymer

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Rhymes for electrode

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “electrode” mean?

The word “electrode” means a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves a device, battery, or circuit. In plain terms, a contact point where electricity flows into or out of a device or circuit.

How do you pronounce “electrode”?

“Electrode” is pronounced uh-LEHK-trohd (/əˈlɛk.tɹəʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “electrode” in a sentence?

Here is “electrode” used in a sentence: “The technician attached electrodes to monitor the patient's heartbeat.”

What part of speech is “electrode”?

“Electrode” is a noun.

Where does the word “electrode” come from?

The word “electrode” dates back to around 1833 and comes from Greek. Coined by scientist Michael Faraday in 1833, combining Greek ēlektron ("amber," the root of "electricity") with hodos, "way" or "path.".

Is “electrode” a common word?

“Electrode” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.