anode

[ an-ohd ]

noun

1. the electrode or terminal by which current enters an electrolytic cell, voltaic cell, battery, etc.
2. the negative terminal of a voltaic cell or battery.
3. the positive terminal, electrode, or element of an electron tube or electrolytic cell.

anode

/ ˈænəʊd; eɪˈnəʊdəl; əˈnɒdɪk /

noun

1. the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell
2. Also called (esp US)plate the positively charged electrode in an electronic valve
3. See cathode
   the negative terminal of a primary cell Compare cathode

anode

/ ăn′ōd′ /

1. The positive electrode in an electrolytic cell, toward which negatively charged particles are attracted. The anode has a positive charge because it is connected to the positively charged end of an external power supply.
2. The positively charged element of an electrical device, such as a vacuum tube or a diode, to which electrons are attracted.
3. The negative electrode of a voltaic cell, such as a battery. The anode gets its negative charge from the chemical reaction that happens inside the battery, not from an external source.
4. Compare cathode

Derived Forms

• anodal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anode¹

1825–35; < Greek ánodos way up, equivalent to an- an- ³ + hodós way, road

Word History and Origins

Origin of anode¹

C19: from Greek anodos a way up, from hodos a way; alluding to the movement of the current to or from the positive pole

Example Sentences

On the anode side, purple permanganate ions are seen rising toward the positive electrode.

From Project Gutenberg

The plate where the current goes in, the anode, A (Fig. 247), loses in weight since some of the silver is dissolved.

From Project Gutenberg

It is best to use a fine silver anode, so that the solution, does not get contaminated by copper.

From Project Gutenberg

If the area of the cathode exceeds that of the anode the solution is said to grow weaker, and vice versa.

From Project Gutenberg

As the masses grow towards the anode the defect naturally tends to increase of itself, hence the necessity for care.

From Project Gutenberg