anode

noun

an·​ode ˈa-ˌnōd 

1

: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs: such as

a

: the positive terminal of an electrolytic cell

b

: the negative terminal of a galvanic cell

2

: the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube

broadly : the positive electrode of a diode compare cathode

anodic

a-ˈnä-dik 

adjective

or less commonly anodal

a-ˈnō-dᵊl 

anodically

a-ˈnō-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

or less commonly anodally

a-ˈnō-dᵊl-ē 

Examples of anode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unscrew the anode rod and pull it out of the water heater to inspect its current condition. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2024

Once the cellulose separator has been wetted with a drop of water, however, ions are able to travel through it, moving from the anode to the cathode. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2024

The battery consists of a magnesium anode and a silver chloride cathode, which are separated by a layer of cellulose impregnated with sodium chloride. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2024

But China dominates not only mining, but also refining of many minerals and production of anodes, cathodes and other components. —Ben Geman, Axios, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek anodos way up, from ana- + hodos way

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

anode

noun

an·​ode ˈan-ˌōd 

1

: the positive electrode of an electrolytic cell to which the negative ions are attracted compare cathode

2

: the negative terminal of a battery that is delivering electric current

3

: the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube

anodic

a-ˈnäd-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

anode

noun

an·​ode ˈan-ˌōd 

1

: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs: as

a

: the positive terminal of an electrolytic cell

b

: the negative terminal of a storage battery that is delivering current

2

: the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube compare cathode