Word Study
cathode
CIDE DICTIONARY
cathode, n. [Gr. descent; down + way.].
The part of a voltaic battery by which the electric current leaves substances through which it passes, or the surface at which the electric current passes out of the electrolyte; the negative pole; -- opposed to anode. Faraday. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cathode, n. (also kathode) Electr.
1 the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell or electronic valve or tube.
2 the positive terminal of a primary cell such as a battery (opp. ANODE).
1 the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell or electronic valve or tube.
2 the positive terminal of a primary cell such as a battery (opp. ANODE).
Idiom
cathode ray a beam of electrons emitted from the cathode of a high-vacuum tube. cathode-ray tube a high-vacuum tube in which cathode rays produce a luminous image on a fluorescent screen.
Usage
Abbr.: CRT.
Derivative
cathodal adj. cathodic adj.
Etymology
Gk kathodos descent f. kata down + hodos way
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