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

To keep the light at ideal brilliance, the 76-ft.-by-54-ft. skylight ceiling has a photoelectric device which automatically adjusts louvers if the sun is too bright, turns on cold cathode light tubes as sunlight fades.

From Time Magazine Archive

Another particle detector, the cold cathode ion gauge, fell over repeatedly in the dusty soil.

From Time Magazine Archive