electrode

American  

[ih-lek-trohd] / ɪˈlɛk troʊd /

noun

Electricity.

1. a conductor, not necessarily metallic, through which a current enters or leaves a nonmetallic medium, as an electrolytic cell, arc generator, vacuum tube, or gaseous discharge tube.

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electrode British  

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊd /

noun

1. a conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte, an electric arc, or an electronic valve or tube

2. an element in a semiconducting device that emits, collects, or controls the movement of electrons or holes

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electrode Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trōd′ /

1. A conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves a substance (or a vacuum) whose electrical characteristics are being measured, used, or manipulated. Electrodes can be used to detect electrical activity such as brain waves. Terminal points in electrical components such as transistors, diodes, and batteries are electrodes.

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Other Word Forms

• interelectrode
  noun

Etymology

Origin of electrode

First recorded in 1825–35; electr- + -ode ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

electrode

The success of an electrochemical reaction depends on more than the ingredients, voltage, and electrode materials.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

Traditionally, researchers have concentrated on choosing the right starting materials, catalysts, electrode surfaces, voltages, and solution compositions.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026

The research team is now working to patent the technology behind the brain electrode.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 21, 2026

The team also used synchrotron-based analysis to watch changes occurring on the electrode surface while the system was operating.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 10, 2026

Peter slips an electrode beneath the collar of my shirt and presses it to my chest, right over my heart.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth