cathode

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons entering an electrical device

2. 2
   noun

   the positively charged terminal of a voltaic cell or storage battery that supplies current

3. 3
   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).

4. 4
   noun

   The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode.

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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