1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs:
a
: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the positive terminal of a galvanic cell
2
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
broadly
: the negative electrode of a diode compare anode
cathodally
adverb
Examples of cathode in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And in a solar cell, also there’s an anode and a cathode and so on.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 15 May 2024
Tesla’s head of cathode materials and manufacturing, Anthony Thurston, has been laid off.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cathode 
IEEE Spectrum, 15 May 2024
Tesla’s head of cathode materials and manufacturing, Anthony Thurston, has been laid off.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cathode
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cathode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cathode
Cite this Entry
“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cathode
noun
cath·ode
ˈkath-ˌōd 
1
: the negative electrode of an electrolytic cell compare anode sense 1
2
: the positive terminal of a battery
3
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
Medical Definition
cathode
noun
cath·ode
ˈkath-ˌōd
1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs: as
a
: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the positive terminal of a storage battery that is delivering current
2
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube compare anode
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