Cathode vs. Anode

Cathodenoun

(electricity) 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 usually, but not always, has a positive voltage.

Cathodenoun

The electrode at which chemical reduction of cations takes place, usually resulting in the deposition of metal onto the electrode.

Cathodenoun

(electronics) The electrode from which electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube or gas-filled tube.

Cathodenoun

(electronics) That electrode of a semiconductor device which is connected to the n-type material of a p-n junction.

Cathodenoun

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.

Cathodenoun

a negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons in an electrical device

Cathodenoun

the positively charged terminal of a voltaic cell or storage battery that supplies current

Cathode

A cathode is the electrode from which a conventional current leaves a polarized electrical device. This definition can be recalled by using the mnemonic CCD for Cathode Current Departs.

Anodenoun

(electricity) An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows inwards (and thus, electrons flow outwards). It can have either a negative or a positive voltage.

Anodenoun

The electrode at which chemical oxidation of anions takes place, usually resulting in the erosion of metal from the electrode.

Anodenoun

(electronics) The electrode which collects electrons emitted by the cathode in a vacuum tube or gas-filled tube.

Anodenoun

(electronics) That electrode of a semiconductor device which is connected to the p-type material of a p-n junction.

Anodenoun

The positive pole of an electric battery, or more strictly the electrode by which the current enters the electrolyte on its way to the other pole; - opposed to cathode.

Anodenoun

a positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device

Anodenoun

the negatively charged terminal of a voltaic cell or storage battery that supplies current

Anode

An anode is an electrode through which the conventional current enters into a polarized electrical device. This contrasts with a cathode, an electrode through which conventional current leaves an electrical device.