1. cathode(n = noun.artifact) - a negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons entering an electrical device;
is a kind of electrode
is a part of electrolytic cell, electron tube, thermionic tube, thermionic vacuum tube, thermionic valve, tube, vacuum tube
has particulars: cold cathode, photocathode
Antonym: anode
2. cathode(n = noun.artifact) - the positively charged terminal of a voltaic cell or storage battery that supplies current;
is a kind of depot, terminal, terminus
is a part of accumulator, storage battery, galvanic cell, primary cell, voltaic cell
Antonym: anode
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. Faraday. [1913 Webster]
cathode, n. (also kathode) Electr.
1 the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell or electronic valve or tube.
2 the positive terminal of a primary cell such as a battery (opp. ANODE).
Idiom:
cathode ray a beam of electrons emitted from the cathode of a high-vacuum tube. cathode-ray tube a high-vacuum tube in which cathode rays produce a luminous image on a fluorescent screen.
Usage:
Abbr.: CRT.
Derivative:
cathodal adj. cathodic adj.
Etymology:
Gk kathodos descent f. kata down + hodos way