cathode
/ˈkæθ.oʊd/
An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows outwards. It can have either a negative or a positive voltage with respect to anode of the same polarized device; 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
- plural
- cathodes
Meanings
- 1
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)
- 2
The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode
- 3
The electrode from which electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube or gas-filled tube
- 4
That electrode of a semiconductor device which is connected to the n-type material of a p-n junctionrare