anode

American  

[an-ohd] / ˈæn oʊd /

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.

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anode British  

/ əˈnɒdɪk, ˈænəʊd, eɪˈnəʊdəl /

noun

1. the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell

2. Also called (esp US): plate.  the positively charged electrode in an electronic valve

3. the negative terminal of a primary cell Compare cathode

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anode Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• anodal adjective

Etymology

Origin of anode

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

Compare meaning

How does anode compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anode vs. cathode

Example Sentences

Because of this, they can only be used in specialized vacuum environments, such as in X-ray rotating anodes.

From Science Daily

Breaking the battery’s anodes and cathodes reduces the batteries to what EPA workers call, semi-seriously, “not a battery.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lithium metal anodes can store more energy in a smaller space and, unlike graphite or silicon, can directly participate in electrochemical reactions as electrodes.

From Science Daily

A battery consists of two electrodes -- the anode and cathode, typically made of different materials -- as well as a separator and electrolyte, a chemical medium that allows for the flow of electrical charge.

From Science Daily

For weeks, workers have been hunched underneath the battleship welding waterproof caps and replacing anodes as others perch on equipment high overhead, pressure-washing and painting the hull.

From Seattle Times