1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs:
a
: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the positive terminal of a galvanic cell
2
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
broadly
: the negative electrode of a diode compare anode
cathodally
adverb
Examples of cathode in a Sentence
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Trump spared raw copper materials such as ores, concentrates, and cathodes from the higher levies.
—
Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2025
Unlike traditional methods that recover raw metals but degrade performance, this upcycling process regenerates high-value cathodes with next-gen chemistry, turning old batteries into components even better aligned with today's EV and storage systems.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
The improvements to the lithium-ion batteries are due in part to using a nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) version with aluminum as the cathode.
—Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025
Redwood Materials then remanufactures those materials into cathodes, according to its website.
—Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cathode
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Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2025
Unlike traditional methods that recover raw metals but degrade performance, this upcycling process regenerates high-value cathodes with next-gen chemistry, turning old batteries into components even better aligned with today's EV and storage systems.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
The improvements to the lithium-ion batteries are due in part to using a nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) version with aluminum as the cathode.
—Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025
Redwood Materials then remanufactures those materials into cathodes, according to its website.
—Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cathode
Cite this Entry
“Cathode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cathode
noun
cath·ode
ˈkath-ˌōd 
1
: the negative electrode of an electrolytic cell compare anode sense 1
2
: the positive terminal of a battery
3
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube
Medical Definition
cathode
noun
cath·ode
ˈkath-ˌōd
1
: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs: as
a
: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell
b
: the positive terminal of a storage battery that is delivering current
2
: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube compare anode
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