cathodic protection

American  

noun

1. protection of ferrous metals against electrolysis by the attachment of sacrificial anodes.

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cathodic protection British  

noun

1. metallurgy a technique for protecting metal structures, such as steel ships and pipelines, from electrolytic corrosion by making the structure the cathode in a cell, either by applying an electromotive force directly or by putting it into contact with a more electropositive metal See also sacrificial anode

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Etymology

Origin of cathodic protection

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

If the zinc layer is breached by either corrosion or mechanical abrasion, the iron may still be protected from corrosion by a cathodic protection process, which is described in the next paragraph.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

This is cathodic protection and can be used for metals other than just iron.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Which of these metals could be used as a sacrificial anode in the cathodic protection of an underground steel storage tank?

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019