Cathode

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkæ.θoÊŠd/

Origin

From Ancient Greek κάθοδος (kathodos, "descent, way down").

Noun

1. (electricity) An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a current of electricity flows inwards (and thus, electrons flow outwards). It usually, but not always, has a negative voltage.
2. (chemistry, 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 .
4. (electronics) That electrode of a semiconductor device which is connected to the n-type material of a p-n junction.

Coordinate terms

• anode

Derived terms

• cathode ray
• cathodic
• cation