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
The facility will make batteries, cathodes, and anodes.
—
Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Then, after these ores are mined, they are processed into components used in the batteries – cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes.
—Steve Banker, Forbes, 10 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
To get the full $7,500 credit, the autos must contain batteries with components (cathodes, anodes, electrolytes) manufactured and assembled in the US, and critical minerals (lithium, graphite, and cobalt) mined and processed by the US or close trading allies.
—Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024
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Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Then, after these ores are mined, they are processed into components used in the batteries – cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes.
—Steve Banker, Forbes, 10 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
To get the full $7,500 credit, the autos must contain batteries with components (cathodes, anodes, electrolytes) manufactured and assembled in the US, and critical minerals (lithium, graphite, and cobalt) mined and processed by the US or close trading allies.
—Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cathode
Dictionary Entries Near cathode
Cite this Entry
“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 22 Dec. 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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