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

Sheets of copper and aluminum go through machines that coat electrode slurry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

When viewed under an electron microscope, these signals provide detailed maps of where specific elements are located and what the electrode surface looks like.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2026

The research team designed an electrode that allows gas to pass through it, trap carbon dioxide, and convert it at the same time.

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2026

Scientists reporting in ACS Energy Letters have developed a new type of electrode designed to address this problem by capturing CO2 directly from the air and turning it into a useful chemical called formic acid.

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2026

He then attaches a wire to the electrode and switches on the heart monitor.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth