anode
Americannoun
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the electrode or terminal by which current enters an electrolytic cell, voltaic cell, battery, etc.
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the negative terminal of a voltaic cell or battery.
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the positive terminal, electrode, or element of an electron tube or electrolytic cell.
noun
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the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell
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Also called (esp US): plate. the positively charged electrode in an electronic valve
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the negative terminal of a primary cell Compare cathode
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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.
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The positively charged element of an electrical device, such as a vacuum tube or a diode, to which electrons are attracted.
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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.
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Compare cathode
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of anode
1825–35; < Greek ánodos way up, equivalent to an- an- 3 + hodós way, road
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The analyst cuts Press Metal’s 2026-2028 earnings estimates by 4%-5% to factor in higher carbon anode costs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026
Because the area near the anode tends to become acidic while the area near the cathode becomes alkaline, bringing these regions closer together and circulating the liquid helps counterbalance their effects.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026
"This is our ambition as well – to have a position where our battery anode is so unique that we have an important position in the supply chain."
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
However, the analyst lowers his 2026-2027 earnings estimates on Press Metal by 3%-5% after revising down aluminum price assumptions and amid higher carbon anode costs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
My unexpected success came from using a powerful rotating anode X-ray tube which had just been assembled in the Cavendish.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
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