cathode

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Etymology

From and ὁδός ("journey, way"), forming the New Greek compound κάθοδος ("way down, descent").

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkæθ.oʊd/

Noun

cathode (plural cathodes)

1. (electricity) 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).
2. (by extension) The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode.
3. (electronics) The electrode from which electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube or gas-filled tube.
4. (electronics) That electrode of a semiconductor device which is connected to the n-type material of a p-n junction.

Antonyms

• anode

Related terms

• cation

Translations

• French: cathode
• German: Kathode, Minuspol
• Italian: catodo
• Portuguese: cátodo, catodo (Brazil), catódio
• Russian: като́д
• Spanish: cátodo

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