cold cathode

American  

noun

Electronics.

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of cold cathode

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

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