cathode
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).
Noun
- 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).
- The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode.
- The electrode from which electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube or gas-filled tube.
- That electrode of a semiconductor device which is connected to the n-type material of a p-n junction.
Origin
From Ancient Greek κατα- (kata-, “down”) and ὁδός (hodós, “journey, way”), equivalent to Ancient Greek κάθοδος (káthodos, “way down, descent”). Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1834 for Michael Faraday, who introduced it later that year. By surface analysis, cath- (alternative form of cata-) + -ode.
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anticathode biocathode cascode cathodal cathode dark space cathode ray cathode-ray tube cathodic cathodograph cathodoluminescence cathodoluminescent catholyte cold cathode cold-cathode fluorescent lamp cold-cathode lamp cold-cathode light cold-cathode tube hot cathode microcathode multicathode photocathode