Dictionary

cathode

noun cath·ode \ˈka-ˌthōd\

: the part of an electrical device (such as a battery) where electrons enter

Full Definition of CATHODE

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
cath·od·al \ˈka-ˌthō-dəl\ adjective
cath·od·al·ly adverb
ca·thod·ic \ka-ˈthä-dik, -ˈthō-\ adjective
ca·thod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of CATHODE

Greek kathodos way down, from kata- + hodos way
First Known Use: 1834
Medical Dictionary

cathode

noun cath·ode \ˈkath-ˌōd\

Medical Definition of CATHODE

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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