cathode

Meanings

Plural: cathodes

Noun

a negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons entering an electrical device
the positively charged terminal of a voltaic cell or storage battery that supplies current
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.

Origin / 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.

Antonyms

anode

Scrabble Score: 13

cathode is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
cathode is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
cathode is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

cathode is a valid Words With Friends word