cathode: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cathode” mean?
The electrode through which electric current flows out of a polarized electrical device (or where conventional current flows in). In electrochemistry, it's the electrode where reduction occurs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The electrode through which electric current flows out of a polarized electrical device (or where conventional current flows in). In electrochemistry, it's the electrode where reduction occurs.
In a device consuming power (like a battery during discharge, or an electrolytic cell), the cathode is the positive terminal. In a device providing power (like a battery during charging, or a vacuum tube), it's the negative terminal. The term specifies direction of electron flow relative to the device's operation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. Contexts of use (electronics, chemistry, physics) are identical.
Connotations
Purely technical term with no regional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cathode” in a Sentence
The [material] acts as a cathode.Connect the wire to the cathode.Reduction occurs at the cathode.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cathode” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The cathode in the old valve radio needed replacing.
- Researchers developed a new lithium-nickel cathode for the battery.
American English
- The cathode in the vacuum tube burned out.
- The battery's cathode is made from lithium iron phosphate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in businesses dealing with batteries, electronics, or electroplating.
Academic
Common in chemistry, physics, materials science, and electrical engineering textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be encountered in instructions for batteries or in simplified science discussions.
Technical
Core term in electrochemistry, electronics, battery technology, and cathode ray tube (CRT) design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cathode”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cathode”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cathode”
- Using 'cathode' to always mean 'negative terminal' (it's negative in a power source, positive in an electrolytic cell).
- Confusing anode and cathode.
- Mispronouncing as /keɪˈθoʊd/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In a device that provides power (e.g., a discharging battery, a DC generator), the cathode is negative. In a device that consumes power (e.g., an electrolytic cell, a recharging battery), the cathode is positive. The key is that it's the electrode where conventional current flows *into* the device from the external circuit.
The cathode is the electrode where reduction (gain of electrons) occurs. The anode is the electrode where oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs. In a power source, electrons flow from the anode (negative) to the cathode (positive) in the external circuit.
A cathode ray is a stream of electrons observed in vacuum tubes. They were discovered emanating from the cathode (negative electrode) in such tubes, hence the name.
Correctly identifying the cathode is crucial for connecting circuits properly (avoiding reverse polarity), understanding the chemical reactions in batteries and electroplating, and diagnosing failures in electronic components.
The electrode through which electric current flows out of a polarized electrical device (or where conventional current flows in). In electrochemistry, it's the electrode where reduction occurs.
Cathode is usually technical / scientific in register.
Cathode: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæθ.əʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæθ.oʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CAT HODE: Imagine a cat sitting on the REDuction mat (cathode is where reduction happens). Or: Cathode = Current Arrives To (device) / Conventional current Arrives TO Device.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DOOR or GATE for electrons (exit door for a power source like a battery).
Practice
Quiz
In a device that is PROVIDING power (like a discharging battery), the cathode is: