Cathode

/ˈkæθoʊd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The electrode in a device, such as a vacuum tube or an electrolytic cell, through which electric current flows out of the device.

In the experiment, the cathode was connected to the negative terminal of the power supply.

The negative electrode in an electrolytic cell, where reduction occurs.

During the electrolysis process, chlorine gas is evolved at the anode while hydrogen is produced at the cathode.

The electrode in a cathodic protection system that provides a reduction reaction to protect against corrosion.

The installation of a sacrificial anode in the cathode protection system effectively reduced the corrosion rate of the metal structure.

In a battery, the electrode that discharges electricity (negative terminal).

When the battery is used, the cathode undergoes a chemical reaction that allows it to release electrons.

From the Greek 'kathodos', meaning 'way down'.

cathodic protection

A technique to prevent corrosion of metal surfaces by making them the cathode of an electrochemical cell.

cathodic polarization

The shifting of the electrode potential of a cathode to reduce corrosion.

cathode ray

A stream of electrons observed in vacuum tubes.

anode

The electrode in a cell where oxidation occurs.

electrolyte

A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved.

reduction

The gain of electrons or decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.

Negative side of a device.

That battery has a weak cathode, so it doesn't hold a charge well.

The part of a circuit where the action happens.

In that gadget, the cathode takes care of all the fun.