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

This technology could allow the anode, cathode, and other components to be stacked on top of each other to make the battery compact and increase its energy density. —Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025

The anodes in those batteries typically use graphite — a relatively cheap and abundant material, but one almost exclusively controlled by China. —Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024

As the battery discharges, sulfur at the cathode side reacts with the lithium, creating lithium polysulfides which diffuse through the electrolyte to the anode leaving deposits. —New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024

In cold charging conditions, the ions flow less efficiently through the anode and the battery's capacity diminishes. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 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