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cold cathode

American  

noun

Electronics.
  1. a cathode, in an electron tube cold-cathodetube or lamp, that emits electrons without having to be heated.


cold cathode British  

noun

  1. electronics a cathode from which electrons are emitted at ambient temperature, due to a high potential gradient at the surface

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cold cathode

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

It also is known as a cold cathode display.

From Forbes

It's best viewed from its center, where its cold cathode tubes flicker in a pattern in a ring around you.

From Seattle Times